BULLETIN OF THE
TEXAS ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Vol. 40, No. 1 January 2007 Pages 1—40
BREEDING BIRDS OF LAKE MEREDITH NATIONAL RECREATION
AREA AND ALIBATES FLINT QUARRIES NATIONAL MONUMENT
MICHAEL PATRIKEEV
The Nature Conservancy of Texas, Amarillo, Texas*
ABSTRACT.—Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National
Monument are located in the Texas Panhandle (Potter, Moore, and Hutchinson counties), and poorly
known ornithologically. This paper confirms nesting of 37 species, and nesting is suspected for fur-
ther 35 species. Additionally, 41 species that may or have nested in the area are discussed.
The history of bird studies in the Texas Panhandle is summarized in Seyffert (2001). It appears that the
area did not command much attention from naturalists and ornithologists in the 19" and most of 20" cen-
turies. In 1845, Lt. J. W. Abert passed through present day LMNRA while conducting reconnaissance of
Canadian River, although his entries concerning birds were made from a site further upstream near
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Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississipiensis) at nest with young in LMNRA (July 2002). Photo by author.
*Present address: 3 Helen Street, Dundas, Ontario, LOH 1N2, Canada
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
Tascosa. In 1876, Lt. C. A. H. McCauley recorded 103 species of birds during the Ruffner expedition that
visited Potter County. Ruffner did not pass through the LMNRA, but did come close to the area near
Bonita and Chicken creeks (Seyffert 2001, J. Indeck, pers. comm.). K. D. Carlander, who was a field
ornithologist at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas in 1933-1935 worked in Palo
Duro Canyon State Park (Seyffert 2001), but there are no records to show if he ever ventured to the
LMNRA-AFQNM area.
Perhaps, it was due to the fact that the entire area laid on private lands with no public access until the
early 1960s when the land was condemned and Sanford Dam built leading to filling of Lake Meredith
(AFQNM still remains off-limits to general public, a limited area is open for guided groups). In 1942, P. F.
Allan (U.S. Soil Conservation Commission) prepared a report on birds of the entire Texas Panhandle, yet
again it is not clear whether he or his team did any studies in the area of interest. Finally, in early June
1950, W. L. Thompson recorded and collected 48 species of birds along Bugbee Creek on the Bugbee
Ranch (Hutchinson County), in close proximity to the north end of LMNRA. Seyffert (2001) further
reported that since the formation of Texas Panhandle Audubon Society in 1952 bird observations in the
area were recorded systematically, and when LMNRA became public land, bird-watchers were visiting on
a regular bases, e.g., K. D. Seyffert himself logged 129 visits to LMNRA between late October 1963 and
late December 1997 (Seyffert 2001).
In 1982, an anonymous birder’s checklist was compiled by US National Park Service in cooperation with
the Texas Panhandle Audubon Society, and later Checklist of Vertebrates of Lake Meredith Recreation Area
was prepared by Philips (1989).
However, a single detailed report on breeding birds of LMNRA-AFQNM is lacking. The current article is
perhaps the first attempt to fill this void.
STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION
The Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (LMNRA) is located within the western extension of the
Rolling Plains in the Texas Panhandle (Potter, Moore, and Hutchinson counties) and encompasses 18,216 ha
of uplands, arid plains, wetlands, and 4,000 ha of open water. Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
(AFQNM) comprises 555 ha of uplands, and abuts LMNRA in the northeastern part of Potter County
(National Park Service 2000, 2001). The Canadian River has carved a narrow, steep-walled canyon 60—90 m
deep and up to 3 km wide through the area. Between this canyon and the surrounding caprock, many tribu-
tary streams have created a rough and broken topography, known as the Canadian River Breaks. Over 71% of
AFQNM and over 67% of the land base at LMNRA are comprised of slopes =12%. Construction of the
Sanford Dam between these “breaks” created a large reservoir, Lake Meredith, in 1962. Lake Meredith was
formed primarily to allow impoundment and diversion of water for municipal and industrial purposes
(National Park Service 2000, 2001).
The climate in the region is semi-arid with considerable annual ranges in temperature. The average
year-round temperature is approximately +10° C (50° F), with an average of —7° C (20° F) in the winter
and +33° C (93° F) in the summer. An average annual rainfall is ca. 500 mm/year, 70% of which falls
between April and September. The area receives almost constant winds ca. 20 km/hour, reaching 50—60
km/hour in early spring, considerably increasing evaporation rates. The most common vegetation types
present in the two parks are grasslands or shrublands, including yucca grassland, mesquite savanna, mixed
grassland, cottonwood savanna, vegetated cliffs, disturbed grassland, shoreline scrub thickets, etc.
Wetlands comprise ca. 34% of the park area (National Park Service 2001). The predominant vegetative
cover is comprised of Sand Sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), Small Soapweed Yucca (Yucca glauca), Broom
Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), Blue Gramma (Bouteloua gracilis), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium
scoparium), Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides), Panhandle Prickly-Pear (Opuntia polyacantha), and
Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). Stands of cottonwood (Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera) and
hackberry (Celtis) trees are found in side canyons, along the Canadian River and Lake Meredith. There are
also thickets and patches of Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) and Wing-leaved Soapberry (Sapindus
saponaria). One-seeded Juniper (Juniperus monosperma) is common in some canyons. Varying lake levels
have encouraged the encroachment of non-native salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima) in floodplain areas
(National Park Service 2001).
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
SAMPLING DESIGN
Studies of breeding birds in LMNRA and AFQNM were a part of a comprehensive inventory of verte-
brate animals conducted by the Nature Conservancy under a contract to US National Park Service in
2002-2003. Implication of studying all groups of vertebrates simultaneously and a variety of methods are
discussed elsewhere (Patrikeev 2004a). Due to access problems and time constraints, field studies were car-
ried out only in the following locations within LMNRA: Bates Canyon, Bonita Creek, Chicken Creek,
Dolomite Point Road, McBride Canyon, Mullinaw Crossing area, Plum Creek, Rosita Meadows (Potter
County), Blue West, Big Blue Creek Valley (Moore County), Bugbee and Bugbee Canyon, Cedar Canyon,
North End, North Canyon, Sanford Marsh, Sanford-Yake and Spring Canyon (Hutchinson County). The
sampled areas were representative of park habitats. Reconnaissance visits were made to Big Canyon,
Devil’s Canyon and Saddle Horse Canyon (Potter County), but access difficulties made systematic work in
those areas unfeasible. Evans Canyon, Martin’s Canyon, North Turkey Creek, South Turkey Creek, and
Sandy Point, as well as islands of Lake Meredith, were not visited in 2002—03. AFQNM was well covered
in the present study.
RESULTS
In the 2002-03 study, nesting was confirmed for 37 and suspected for further 35 species. Seyffert (2001)
reported nesting of 4 additional species in LMNRA, and 23 other species appear on the Anonymous (1982)
compilation of a LMNRA bird list. Thus, breeding bird fauna of the study area may amount to 99 species.
Only the 37 species that were confirmed breeding in 2002-03 are discussed below. The rest (62 species) are
summarized in Table 1.
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Fairly common nesting species of riverine habitats and marshes associated with the Canadian River and its trib-
utaries. Observed at Rosita Meadows, Mullinaw Crossing, in extensive marshes between Plum Creek and
Dolomite Point, Sanford Marsh, etc. A nest with 10 eggs in a clump of grass in Rosita Meadows on April 23, 2002.
Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis
Common nesting species (the most common raptor in the study area). Primarily restricted to cottonwood
savanna in the valley of the Canadian River and its tributaries in LMNRA (e.g., in Rosita Meadows, Bonita
Creek, Chicken Creek, Mullinaw Crossing, Plum Creek, off Bates Canyon boat ramp and Dolomite Point
Road, Blue West, Big Blue Creek, etc.), but also nests in planted trees in towns and settlements in the gen-
eral vicinity of the study area (Borger, Bugbee, Fritch, Sanford). Gregarious species often nesting in loose
colonies of 2—6 pairs. A conservative estimate of 40—45 pairs in LMNRA (14 nests found in 2002-2003) does
not include kites nesting in adjacent settled areas. All nests were invariably in living cottonwoods (one occa-
sion in a diminishing tree that still had a clump of green leaves), 3—13 m above the ground (average 7.6 m).
Nest is a relatively small, loose structure of cottonwood twigs placed in a fork of a side branch, sometimes
close to tree top, and very rarely in the main stem.
Mississippi Kites arrive to the study area rather late: first records May 5—6. By June 10-15, the majority of
kites already incubate. The young probably hatch in early July, because chicks c. 2 weeks old were seen stand-
ing in nests July 18-19. Some were still in nests on August 1. Two fledglings observed in Rosita Meadows on
August 18.
Mississippi Kite is primarily an insect eater, but sometimes also catches vertebrate animals. Food items
delivered to one nest included: dragonflies (7), grasshoppers (2), beetles (2), unidentified insects (3), toads (2),
Peromyscus sp. mouse (1), unidentified small rodent (1), and small lizard (1). Large young fed by parents
1.24.2 times/hour.
Only one record of nest failure: when nesting tree was blown down in mid-July 2002. Several pairs nesting
in Rosita Meadows apparently are not bothered by an array of motorized on-road and off-road vehicles exces-
sively using the area and at least one pair successfully raised young there in 2002.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Uncommon resident (10-15 pairs). Eight nests found in the 2002-2003 study: northwest of Mullinaw
Crossing, by Dolomite Point Road (2), in Plum Creek Canyon, Alibates Flint Quarries, Blue West, east of
Bugbee and Spring Canyon. Single birds or pairs also recorded in Rosita Meadows and McBride Canyon.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
All nests built in cottonwoods (four in living trees and four in dead trees), 4.5—-10 m above the ground, usually
in the main fork or on a heavy side branch. Adults observed by nests from mid-February. Incubation occurred
between early March and early May. Adults carrying food seen from April 27. A downy young seen in AFQNM
on May 24, 2002, remained in the nest at least until June 26, but fledged by July 7. Another large downy young
in a nest at Mullinaw Crossing on June 10, 2003. One nest at Dolomite Point perished when the nesting tree col-
lapsed, and a nest east of Bugbee was predated. A nest in AFQNM was used in two consecutive years.
Small mammals and reptiles probably constitute the bulk of this species diet. Seen carrying a gopher and
eating a large snake.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Uncommon, but widespread. Observed in McBride Canyon, Bates Canyon, Plum Creek Canyon, Dolomite
Point grasslands, Alibates Flint Quarries, Big Blue Creek, Sanford-Yake, Spring Canyon, etc. Probably nests
in clefts and cavities in cliffs, as well as in tree cavities (natural or excavated by woodpeckers). No nests found
during this study, but a brood of 3 observed by Dolomite Point Road on July 2, 2002, and another of 4 in
AFQNM on August 2, 2002.
Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo
Common, but secretive and inconspicuous in the study area. Turkeys or their tracks recorded in Rosita
Meadows, Bonita Creek, Chicken Creek, Mullinaw Crossing, Plum Creek, McBride Canyon, Bates Canyon,
Dolomite Point Road, Big Blue Creek, Bugbee Canyon, and east of Bugbee. In the study area, inhabits most-
ly cottonwood savanna with tamarisk and soapberry thickets, although sometimes observed in grasslands and
mesquite savanna. Breeding activity from April. A displaying gobbler and 4 hens observed at Bonita Creek on
May 7, 2002. Gobbling continues into early summer (e.g., at Mullinaw Crossing on June 10). No nests record-
ed during this study, but a hen with two small, but already flying chicks at Plum Creek on June 18, 2002. In
addition, two family groups of 7 birds each seen at Bonita Creek and in the McBride Canyon woodlot on July
19 and September 15, 2003, respectively. On November 6, 2003, 3 flocks totaling c. 35 birds were observed
on the adjacent LX Ranch.
Scaled Quail Callipepla squamata
Uncommon resident. In 2002—03, observed only in the northernmost part of LMNRA: in mesquite savanna
of Sanford-Yake and North End, and in mixed grasslands in Cedar Canyon. Calling from mid-April. No nests
of this species found during this study, but an adult with at least three small chicks observed in the North End
Triangle on June 13, 2002, a brood with at least 5 large young along FM 3395 west of Bugbee on July 16, 2003,
and a pair with 5—6 large young in Sanford-Yake on July 17, 2002.
The Canadian River canyon just below Lake Meredith. Mixed grasslands predominate in this area, except for the scree slopes.
There are also patches of mesquite savanna in the center; poplar savanna outlines the Canadian River. Extensive mudflates and
Lake Meredith appear on the background.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus
Common resident. Most frequently heard and seen in mesquite savanna and mixed grasslands in the northern-
most parts of LMNRA (Sanford-Yake, vicinity of Bugbee, North Canyon, Spring Canyon, North End), but also
occurs in cottonwood savanna and bush thickets in the Canadian River Valley (Bonita Creek, Mullinaw Crossing,
Dolomite Point Road), few in bush patches in AFQNM. Vocally active from late April-early May through late
July-early August. No nests or small chicks recorded during this study, but coveys of 10-20 birds observed in
North End grasslands in October, and in Sanford- Yake in January-February, 2002. In addition, an immature bob-
white was caught in a Tomahawk trap (set for small mammals) at the North End on October 24, 2002.
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Uncommon nesting species of mudflats and sandbars of the Canadian River and Lake Meredith and occa-
sionally other open spaces, e.g., two recorded in burned semi-desert in Bates Canyon. Observed on territories
from late March. Adults with young from May 7.
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Common and widespread in savannas and grasslands. One of the most common birds of LMNRA and
AFQNM. Twenty nests recorded in 2002-03, e.g., a high percentage (30%) of ground nests: hidden in tall
grass, under tree cholla cactus (Opuntia imbricata) or yucca. Other nests in shrubs or trees (soapberry, hack-
berry, cottonwood, mesquite, Chinese Elm, Ulmus parvifolia), 0.2-9 m above the ground. Clutches of 1—2
eggs found from late April through mid-July, young from mid-May, and fledglings from ca. July 10. The
majority of low and ground nests were predated.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
Uncommon nesting species in the study area. Observed in McBride Canyon, Bates Canyon, riverine thickets
between Bates Canyon ramp and Dolomite Point, Alibates Flint Quarries, Bugbee Canyon, Blue West and Big
Blue Creek Valley. Probably occurs in suitable habitat (shrub patches and woodlots) elsewhere. One nest in a
soapberry, 5 m above the ground in a small shrub-tree patch in Bates Canyon (Potter County) on June 28, 2002.
Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus
Uncommon but widespread in the study area. Inhabits upland mesquite savanna with thick shrub patches, cot-
tonwood savanna and tamarisk thickets of the Canadian River Valley. Recorded throughout LMNRA, e.g., in
Rosita Meadows, Mullinaw Crossing, Plum Creek, west of Bates Canyon and Dolomite Point Road, vicinity of
Bugbee, Sanford-Yake, Blue West and Big Blue Creek Valley. Nests are well hidden in shrub thickets (e.g.,
Chickasaw plum) and tree foliage (cottonwood), 1.2-1.8 m above the ground. Nesting activity commences early
in the season: adults carrying food seen from early May. A nest with shell fragments (likely predated) in Blue West
Mixed grassland in Alibates Flint Quarries NM with patches of Chickasaw Plums and dead cottonwoods.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
on May 5, 2002, another with 5 freshly-laid eggs east of Bugbee on May 6, 2003, while the young fledged from
another nest in Bugbee Canyon by May 14, 2003. A late nest with 4 eggs reported from “Lake Meredith National
Recreation Area, Hutchinson County” in August, 1968 (Seyffert 2001).
Eastern Screech-Owl Otus asio
Rare (or perhaps uncommon and under-recorded) species. Very cryptic and best found by voice, however,
playback surveys in April-May, 2003 failed to generate any response. One nesting record in 2002—03: a brood
of four young in cottonwood savanna west of Dolomite Point Road (Potter County) on July 1, 2002. Also heard
calling continuously in Rosita Meadows (Potter County) on September 26, 2002. Seyffert (2001) reported a
brood of five from Bugbee Creek area (Hutchinson County) on June 20, 1950.
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Uncommon, but widespread. Inhabits cottonwood savanna and other grasslands with few standing trees or
snags. Observed in Rosita Meadows, extensive savanna north of Mullinaw Crossing, McBride Canyon, Plum
Creek, savanna off Dolomite Point Road, Alibates Flint Quarries, vicinity of Bugbee, Sanford-Yake, etc. Nests
almost invariably in snags (usually cottonwoods), 3—8 m above the ground. One nest excavated near the top
of a utility pole. Early nester: a nest with clutch in Rosita Meadows April 22, 2003. Large young looking out
from nests recorded May 25 - July 1, and fledglings from c. May 30.
Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Common nesting species (most common, or at least most conspicuous woodpecker in the study area).
Inhabits cottonwood savannas of the Canadian River Valley (Rosita Meadows, Bonita Creek, Chicken
Creek, Plum Creek, savanna west of Dolomite Point Road, Big Blue Creek) and open grassland/semi-
desert areas with few standing snags (Alibates Flint Quarries, Blue West and the vicinity of Bugbee).
Conservative estimate of 80—100 pairs in LMNRA, 3—4 pairs in AFQNM (a total of 10 nests found in both
parks in 2002-03, e.g., 6 nests off Dolomite Point Road alone). Nests almost invariably in cottonwood
snags, 3.5—-12 m above the ground (average 6.6 m). Some nests only 100-300 m apart. In two cases, red-
headed woodpeckers enlarged usurped nests of ladder-backed woodpeckers (Patrikeev 2004b). Arrives to
the study area in early May. Adults carrying food to nestlings seen from late June. Two broods (2
young/brood) observed on August 2. In AFQNM, a pair nested in the same snag in 2002 and 2003,
although a new cavity was excavated each year.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris
Common, although somewhat inconspicuous resident of mesquite savanna throughout the study area.
Sometimes found in riverine habitats, cottonwood savanna and soapberry patches. Observed in McBride
Canyon, Bates Canyon, Plum Creek, Alibates Flint Quarries, Sanford- Yake, east of Bugbee, North Canyon and
at the North End. Of four nests recorded during this study, two were excavated in side limbs of cottonwoods
(one in a dead tree, and another in a dead limb of a living tree), 2.5—4 m above the ground, and two others in
living mesquite trees 1.2—1.5 m above the ground. Adults bringing food to young in nest-cavities observed from
early May. In a nest east of Bugbee, at least one young fledged on May 30, 2003. At Blue West, a male with a
fledgling seen on June 1, 2002, and adult with 2 large fledglings in Sanford-Yake on June 11, 2002. On the other
hand, adults were observed feeding young in a nest cavity observed in Sanford-Yake as late as June 6, 2003.
Ladder-backed woodpeckers nesting close to paved roads occasionally are killed by passing vehicles: a female
and a male were found dead in the same area along FM 3395 east of Bugbee on May 19 and May 22, 2003,
respectively. Both birds had beaks full of food.
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Uncommon nesting species of cottonwood savanna in the Canadian River Valley (Rosita Meadows,
Mullinaw Crossing, northwest of McBride Canyon, west of Bates Canyon boat ramp and Dolomite Point
Road) and in the vicinity of Bugbee. Two nests recorded during this study: west of Bates Canyon on June 15,
2002, and west of Dolomite Point Road on July 1, 2002. Both nests were in cottonwoods (one living and one
dead), 11-12 m above the ground. Still incubating on July 1.
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
Uncommon to locally common in cottonwood savanna and semi-desert grasslands with few standing trees.
Observed in Rosita Meadow, west of Mullinaw Crossing, in McBride Canyon, Plum Creek, Alibates Flint
Quarries, east of Bugbee, Blue West, etc. Nests (n = 5) invariably in dead or dying cottonwoods, 3.5—12 m
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
above the ground (average 8 m). Nests built on side branches or in forks near tree tops. Curiously, two pairs
of western kingbirds shared nesting tree with Bullock’s orioles, and one pair also with a red-tailed hawk. Nest-
building recorded from late May, and fledglings from June 26 (three broods encountered in AFQNM con-
tained 3, 5 and 5 fledglings, respectively). In one nest, the young did not fledge until July 21. Adults feed
young grasshoppers, dragonflies, cicadas and robberflies.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus
Common, but unevenly distributed nesting species. Very common in open grassland with few standing dead
trees or large shrubs and along the edge of cottonwood savanna in Bates Canyon, southern half of AFQNM
and along Dolomite Point Road (20-25 pairs), but uncommon in similar habitats elsewhere in the parks
(Saddle Horse Canyon, Mullinaw Crossing, Sanford-Yake, vicinity of Bugbee, North End, etc.). Nests almost
invariably in dead trees or living trees with dead tops (cottonwood, soapberry), although two nests observed
in living and dying mesquite, respectively. Nests (n = 15) usually built on a side branch close to tree trunk or
in a small fork close to tree top, 3—12 m above the ground (average 6.5 m).
Scissor-tailed flycatchers arrive in the study area c. April 10—15. First bird with nesting material observed
on May 7. Nests with eggs found from late May to c. July 20. Two examined nests contained three and four
eggs, respectively. Large young ready to leave and fledglings seen from June 25. Three-four fledglings per
brood (n = 3). Nests of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are conspicuous and frequently fall to predators (at least
5 of 15 nests were predated), thus nests found later in the season are probably re-nesting attempts. Some of
such late nests contained eggs and small young in late July or even early August.
Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens
Uncommon, but widespread species (rarely more than 1-2 pairs/site). Observed at Mullinaw
Crossing, McBride Canyon, Bates Canyon, Plum Creek, Dolomite Point grasslands, Alibates Flint
Quarries, Sanford-Yake, east of Bugbee, Blue West, etc. Inhabits cottonwood savanna, other grassland,
or semi-desert habitats with few standing snags. Nests in natural cavities or those excavated by wood-
peckers. Nest observed in an old woodpecker cavity (5.5 m above the ground) east of Bugbee, May 5,
2003. Another nest with five eggs in a vertical metal pipe (1.2 m high and mostly filled with dirt) at
Mullinaw Crossing on June 10, 2003. This species is probably double-brooded: the young from the first
nest fledged by May 30, but adults seen bringing nesting material into the same cavity soon after, on
June 10. A family group of two adults and two large fledglings was encountered in AFQNM on June 26.
Adults feed nestlings mostly grasshoppers, katydids, butterflies, moths, but also dragonflies, cicadas
and beetles.
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Locally common nesting species. Two colonies recorded during this study: a smaller colony of 20-30 nests
(probably not all active) under an abandoned railway bridge in Sanford-Yake (Hutchinson County) on June
11, 2002, and a larger colony with over 50 nests under Big Blue Creek bridge on FM 1913 (Moore County).
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Uncommon in the Canadian River Valley south of Lake Meredith. Recorded from cottonwood savanna in
Rosita Meadows, Mullinaw Crossing, between Plum Creek and Bates Canyon ramps, in McBride Canyon and
Blue West. Nests seen in tall cottonwoods in the valley, but content remained unverified.
Carolina Chickadee Parus carolinensis
Rare nesting species restricted to cottonwood savanna and several woodlots in the Canadian River Valley
and adjacent canyons, e.g., Rosita Meadows, Plum Creek, Mullinaw Crossing and McBride Canyon and pos-
sibly elsewhere. Family groups of three and four observed in McBride Canyon and west of Mullinaw Crossing
on June 3, 2002 and June 10, 2003, respectively.
Bewick’s Wren Thryomanes bewickii
Uncommon nesting species of wooded canyons, although also occurs in cottonwood savanna. Observed in
McBride Canyon, Bugbee Canyon, and northwest of Mullinaw Crossing. Nesting suggested by Anonymous
(1982) compiler of Lake Meredith bird list, but not confirmed during this study, although an alarming pair
encountered in Bugbee Canyon on May 6, 2003, and three birds observed in McBride Canyon on June 23,
2002 might have been a brood.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus
Common inhabitant of rocky canyons in both parks. Found in suitable habitat throughout the year, e.g., in
cliffs by Mullinaw Crossing, Bates Canyon, Devil’s Canyon, Alibates Flint Quarries, Cedar Canyon, small
canyons in Sanford-Yake, Spring Canyon, etc. Usually 1—3 pairs/canyon. Nests from April. Adult carrying
food to the young observed in Spring Canyon as early as May 8. A nest with large young in a rock cavity in
AFQNM on May 22, 2002. Broods in Alibates and Bates Canyon on June 8 and June 28, respectively.
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus
Rare nesting species in the study area. Only 1-2 pairs in semi-desert grassland with few patches of
Chickasaw plum by Dolomite Point Road and in adjacent parts of AFQNM (Potter County) in 2002-2003.
Perhaps a few other pairs are elsewhere in the park. One or two seen off FM 3395 northwest of Bugbee.
Observed on territory from early April. A nest found in a Chickasaw plum bush off Dolomite Point Road, on
May 24, 2002, was empty and likely predated. A pair observed in that general vicinity in 2003.
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
Common nesting species inhabiting mesquite savanna, soapberry and Chickasaw plum thickets, and to a
lesser extent cottonwood savanna and planted trees in the Canadian River Valley, adjoining canyons and
uplands. Occurs in suitable habitat throughout LMNRA and AFQNM. Thirteen nests found in 2002-2003.
Nests in shrubs (mesquite, soapberry, Chickasaw plum) and occasionally trees (soapberry, hackberry, Chinese
elm), living or sometimes dead, 0.4—3.2 m above the ground (average 1.5 m). Singing from mid-April, and
nest with eggs from the first week of May through the third week of July. Nestlings recorded from mid-May,
and fledglings from late May-early June. Nest failure is considerable: almost half (6) of nests found with eggs
or young were later predated (possibly by snakes), in one case large nestlings overrun by ants.
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
This non-native species is rather rare in the study area. Three observed in Rosita Meadows on April 17, 2002.
Two pairs nested in cavities in a dead cottonwood in AFQNM. Birds with food seen entering cavities on June
26, 2002. Curiously, three other species nested in the very same cottonwood: red-tailed hawk, western kingbird,
and Bullock’s oriole.
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
Uncommon resident of bush thickets along the Canadian River, its tributaries, in ravines and some canyons.
Readily uses encroaching tamarisk for nest and shelter, but also occurs in patches of native shrubs. Recorded
in Rosita Meadows, Plum Creek, Bates Canyon, AFQNM, Sanford-Yake, Bugbee Canyon, Blue West, Big
Blue Creek and probably elsewhere. Usually no more than 1-2 pairs/site. A nest with two eggs found in a
tamarisk (c. 1.6 m above the ground) in a small canyon at Sanford-Yake June 11, 2002.
Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea
Uncommon, but widely distributed nesting species. Rarely more than 1—2 pairs encountered per site per
day. Observed at Mullinaw Crossing, in McBride Canyon, Bates Canyon, Plum Creek, Dolomite Point Road
grasslands, Alibates Flint Quarries, Bugbee Canyon, Blue West, etc. Inhabits shrub patches (soapberry, hack-
berry, Chickasaw plum, tamarisk) and groves in grasslands and savanna. Nests in shrubs, 0.5—1.5 m above the
ground (n=5). Nest-building observed in AFQNM on June 25, 2002. A nest found west of Mullinaw Crossing
on June 10, 2002 contained four cowbird eggs and only one grosbeak egg.
Painted Bunting Passerina ciris
Uncommon (perhaps under-recorded), but widely distributed nesting species recorded in Saddle Horse
Canyon, McBride Canyon, Dolomite Point Road grasslands, Blue West, Sanford- Yake, the vicinity of Bugbee,
and North End. Inhabits mesquite savanna and bush patches (Chickasaw plum, tamarisk) in semi-desert grass-
lands. A completed nest found in mesquite savanna close to intersection of FM 1319 and FM 687 at the North
End of LMNRA on May 26, 2002. The nest was in a mesquite tree, 1.2 m above the ground. The nest con-
tained three cowbird eggs and one bunting hatchling on June 10, but only 2 cowbird chicks on June 13. Not
all males trying to breed in the area attain full adult plumage: at least one first-year male in all-green plumage
recorded singing east of Bugbee on May 25, 2003.
Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla
Uncommon nesting species. Current study provides first breeding evidence for Hutchinson County and
LMNRA. Recorded in riverine grasslands, mesquite and cottonwood savanna at Mullinaw Crossing, in
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
Nest of Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca ciris) with four eggs of Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) and one egg of the grosbeak.
Photo by author.
McBride Canyon, west of Dolomite Point Road, and east of Bugbee. A nest with four newly hatched young
found in mesquite savanna east of Bugbee (Hutchinson County) on May 14, 2003. The nest was in a clump
of grass near the base of a small mesquite, 0.1 m above the ground.
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus
Common nesting species of grasslands and mesquite savanna in the study area, less common in cottonwood
savanna. Recorded in Rosita Meadows, Plum Creek, AFQNM, Blue West, east of Bugbee, North End, etc.
Singing from late April to early May. A nest built under a small sage on a 35° slope in AFQNM contained four
newly hatched chicks and one egg on May 21, 2002. On June 10, 2002, a nest with four eggs found in a
mesquite (2 m above the ground) at the North End. Many broods along FM 1913 east of Fourways (Moore
County) on July 13, 2003.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
Common species nesting throughout Texas Panhandle (Seyffert 2001), including LMNRA (Anonymous
1982). Rather uncommon in 2002-2003. Outnumbered Eastern Meadowlarks in February, 2002, but only
slightly so during the nesting season. Territorial pairs and singing males occurred in grasslands/grassy savanna
throughout both parks. No nests or broods recorded in this study, but adults carrying food observed in Dolomite
Point grasslands in May, 2002.
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Common resident. Nests in cattail marshes and bush thickets (e.g., tamarisk thickets) adjacent to the
Canadian River, associated creeks and Lake Meredith. Most common in marshes and thickets between Plum
Creek, Bates Canyon boat ramp, and Dolomite Point, and in Sanford Marsh; occurs in Rosita Meadows,
Bonita Creek, Mullinaw Crossing, Blue West, etc. May nest in AFQNM where seen in shrub patches in late
May, 2002. Sings from mid-February. Males chasing females recorded from late April. Adults with food and
a vacated nest seen in the Canadian River Valley west of Dolomite Point on June 15, 2002. Another nest in
cattails along Bonita Creek on June 18, 2003.
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Uncommon breeding species occurring throughout the study area. Nest parasite laying eggs in nests of other
species. Two breeding records: 3 cowbird eggs in a nest of Painted Bunting at the North End on June 10, 2002
(hatched by June 13), and 4 cowbird eggs in a nest of Blue Grosbeak at Mullinaw Crossing on June 10, 2003.
Additional breeding record provided by Seyffert (2001): “a recently hatched bird and a cowbird egg [in a nest
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
10
of Indigo Bunting] was found at Lake Meredith, Potter County, on 10 July, 1995”. Northern Mockingbirds
observed chasing cowbirds east of Bugbee, but no cowbird eggs found in examined nests of this species.
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Uncommon nesting species inhabiting marshes in the Canadian River Valley. No nests found in this study,
but adults bringing food to young seen in marshes between Bates Canyon ramp and Dolomite Point (Potter
County) June 15, 2002. Also observed in these marshes in 2003.
Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii
Uncommon nesting species of cottonwood savanna and semi-desert grasslands with few standing trees.
Recorded at Mullinaw Crossing, along Dolomite Point Road, in AFQNM, vicinity of Bugbee, North End, etc.
Pendulous nest is usually hidden in foliage, often near branch end, although sometimes built in the open. Nest
height (n=4): 3.5-10 m above the ground (average 7.7 m). Nest building recorded in mid-May and large
nestlings in mid-June.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Valuable assistance was received from the following individuals and organizations: US National Park
Service/Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (Jim Rancier, Paul Eubank, Dr. Dustin W. Perkins, Mike Davin,
Nathan Gross, Mike Smith, Tyler Stevenson, Paul Jones, Dennis Weiland, Rhonda Terry, and Karrie Davin), The
Nature Conservancy of Texas and the Texas Conservation Data Center (Mark Gallyoun, John Karges, Lee Elliott,
Dr. David Certain, Bill Carr, Debbie Benesh, Rachel Vasquez, LaSaundra Wolford and Susie Strickland), Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (Bob Sullivan, Rosie Roegner, and Jeanie Munoz), Botanical Research Institute
of Texas (Robert O’Kennon, Dr. Guy Nesom), Dr. David Melhman (the Nature Conservancy’s Prairie Wings
Program ), Wes Philips (Frank Philips College, Borger, Texas), Dr. Jeff Indeck (The Panhandle-Plains Museum,
Canyon, Texas), and Jack C. Eitniear (Center for the Study of Tropical Birds, San Antonio, Texas). Katherine
Castro, also provided invaluable assistance and companionship during 2002-03 field work. Studies were con-
ducted under NPS Scientific Research and Collecting Permit # LMNRA-2002-SCI-0001.
REFERENCES
ANONYMOUS. 1982. Birder’s Checklist. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Compiled in Cooperation with the Texas
Panhandle Audubon Society.
BENSON, K. L. P., AND K. A. ARNOLD. 2001. The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas. Texas A&M University System, College Station
and Corpus Christi, TX. http://tbba.cbi.tamucc.edu.
NATIONAL PARK Service. 2000. Study Plan for Biological Inventories. Southern Plains Network, National Park Service. US
National Park Service, the Colorado and New Mexico Natural Heritage Programs, the Kansas Heritage Inventory, and
the Texas Conservation Data Center.
NATIONAL PARK Service. 2001. Draft Oil and Gas Management Plan, Environmental Impact Statement for Lake Meredith
National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument (Hutchinson, Moore and Potter Counties,
Texas). National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation (US Department of the Interior) and the Canadian River Municipal
Water Agency.
PATRIKEEV, M. 2004a. Vertebrate animals of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National
Monument (Potter, Moore and Hutchinson counties, Texas Panhandle): results of zoological inventory of 2002-2003.
Report to US National Park Service. Texas Nature Conservancy.
PaTRIKEEV, M. 2004b. Nest usurpation with probable nest predation by Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythro-
cephalus) on Ladder-backed Woodpeckers (Picoides scalaris) in the Texas Panhandle. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 37:29-30.
Pairs, J. W. 1989. Checklist of Vertebrates of Lake Meredith Recreation Area. Unpublished Report.
SEYFFERT, K. D. 2001. Birds of the Texas Panhandle: their status, distribution and history. Texas A&M University Press
(W.L. Moody, Jr., Natural History Series, No. 29), College Station.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
Table 1 Species suspected to nest in LMNRA and AFQ in 2002-03 (35 species) or known from literature (27 species).
Species
Double-crested
Cormorant
Least Bittern
Green Heron
Black-crowned
Night-Heron
Great Blue Heron
White-faced Ibis
Northern Pintail
Gadwall
Blue-winged Teal
Cinnamon Teal
Northern Shoveler
Green-winged Teal
Redhead
Ruddy Duck
Turkey Vulture
Swainson’s Hawk
Golden Eagle
Northern Harrier
Observed
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Where observed
5-10 in Bugbee Bay in May-June,
2003
Uncommon in riverine habitats along
the Canadian River and its tributaries,
Lake Meredith and marshes.
Bugbee Bay in May-June, 2003.
Throughout Canadian River Valley, on
shores of Lake Meredith and at
Sanford Marsh.
A flock of 40 in Sanford Marsh on
May 1, 2002, and 10 in Big Blue
Creek Bay on May 7, 2002.
4 in Sanford Marsh on March 29,
2002
Pairs in marshes off Plum Creek and
Bates Canyon boat ramp, and in Big
Blue Creek Bay in late April-early
May.
Pairs in Sanford Marsh, and in
Canadian River marshes off Plum
Creek in late March to late April (a
pair at each site).
A pair in Sanford Marsh on March 16,
2002; unpaired males in Canadian
River marshes in April 2002-03.
Pairs or unpaired males at Sanford
Marsh, and Canadian River marshes
off Plum Creek boat ramp from mid-
March through early May.
Canadian River Valley and Sanford
Marsh in April-May, 2002.
Throughout the study area; probably
nests in clefts and cavities of cliffs
bordering the Canadian River Valley
(at least 5—10 pairs).
A pair at Bates Canyon boat ramp in
April, 2002, a pair at North End
grasslands in April, 2003, but not
found during subsequent visits .
Comments/References
Casual breeder in Texas Panhandle (Seyffert
2001)
Not know to nest in Texas Panhandle (Benson
and Arnold 2001). Listed by Anonymous
(1982)
Nesting suspected in LMNRA (Anonymous
1982) and east of Sanford Marsh, Hutchinson
Co. (Seyffert 2001).
Common nesting species in Texas Panhandle
(Benson and Arnold, 2001 Seyffert 2001)
A rookery is known in Hackberry Canyon of
LMNRA (National Park Service 2001)
Casual nesting species in the Panhandle
(Seyffert 2001)
Nests in Texas Panhandle (Benson and Arnold
2001), included in the LMNRA bird list
(Anonymous 1982).
A female with one young in Sanford Marsh on
July 5, 1982 (Seyffert 2001). Nests irregularly
elsewhere in Texas Panhandle (Seyffert 2001).
Uncommon species nesting throughout Texas
Panhandle, e.g., in Potter, Moore, and
Hutchinson counties (Seyffert 2001) and
apparently in LMNRA (Anonymous 1982).
Known to breed in Hutchinson County (Seyffert
2001).
Very few confirmed nesting records from Texas
Panhandle (Benson and Arnold 2001, Seyffert
2001).
Rare nesting species in Texas Panhandle. A pair
with 4 ducklings at Sanford Marsh on June
15, 1975 (Seyffert 2001).
Appears on the LMNRA bird list (Anonymous
1982). Several possible and probable nesting
records elsewhere in the central Panhandle
(Benson and Arnold 2001).
Occasionally nests in Texas Panhandle
southwest of the study area (Seyffert 2001)
“Fairly common breeder” in the Texas
Panhandle (Seyffert 2001) and once a
common breeding species at LMNRA
(Anonymous 1982).
A pair nested at LMNRA c. 15-20 years ago,
but was shot by a bird collector (M. Smith,
USNPS, pers. comm.).
Occasionally nests in the Texas Panhandle; a
female and poorly flying juvenile in Sanford
Marsh on July 4, 1985 (Seyffert 2001).
Table 1 (Continued)
Species
Ring-necked
Pheasant
(non-native)
Chukar
(non-native)
Lesser
Prairie-Chicken
King Rail
Virginia Rail
Common Moorhen
American Coot
Snowy Plover
Black-necked Stilt
American Avocet
Spotted Sandpiper
Least Tern
Rock Dove
(non-native)
Barn Owl
Great Horned Owl
Burrowing Owl
Common
Nighthawk
Common Poorwill
Observed
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Where observed
Rare or secretive in thickets of the
Canadian River Valley south of
Lake Meredith.
Sanford Marsh
Sanford Marsh
Sanford Marsh
Two on Canadian River mudflats off
Bates Canyon boat ramp on
April 27, 2002.
Three congregations (possibly nesting
colonies) in April-June, 2002 and
2003: 60—65 on mudflats in Big Blue
Creek Bay, 7-8 and 20 on mudflats
of the Canadian River between Plum
Creek and Bates Canyon boat ramps.
East of Bugbee on May 5, 2003.
Plum Creek, McBride Canyon, Bates
Canyon, AFQ, Cedar Canyon,
Sanford-Yake, and Spring Canyon.
Rosita Meadows, Mullinaw Crossing,
Plum Creek, Bates Canyon, AFQ,
North Canyon, the vicinity of
Bugbee, etc.
One on Cas Johnson Road on June 2,
2003.
Comments/References
Anonymous (1982) compiler of LMNRA
birdlist also pointed out the rarity of this
species.
Included by Anonymous (1982). Seyffert (2001)
reported that all attempts to introduce this
species into the Texas Panhandle had failed.
Two in LMNRA near Fritch in the fall of 1976,
1 at Blue West on January 4, 1981, and four
in the LX Ranch near Bonita Creek on
December 27, 1981 (Seyffert 2001).
A young male in “down plumage” was collected
at the Canadian River Breaks, Hutchinson
Co. (Seyffert 2001).
“A bird in juvenile plumage” in Sanford Marsh
on July 11, 1990, and adult with two downy
chicks on April 30, 1993 (Seyffert 2001).
Adult with one chick in Sanford Marsh in
August 1976 (Seyffert 2001).
“Resident population” in Sanford Marsh
(Seyffert 2001).
Reported by Anonymous (1982). Not found in
the Texas Panhandle during TBBA surveys
(Seyffert 2001).
Uncommon to fairly common breeder in Texas
Panhandle including Moore Co. (Benson and
Arnold 2001, Seyffert 2001).
Probably uncommon nesting species
(Anonymous 1982).
A juvenile in Sanford Marsh on July 7, 1998
(Seyffert 2001).
An adult male was collected in the Bugbee
Creek area on July 4, 1950, and several terns
were observed flying along Bugbee Creek
(Seyffert 2001).
Included by Anonymous (1982). Occurs widely
throughout the Panhandle (Seyffert 2001,
Benson and Arnold 2001).
Breeding confirmed in Potter, Moore, and
Hutchinson counties (Seyffert 2001).
Listed by (Anonymous 1982). Closely associated
with Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Seyffert 2001),
but known prairie dog colonies in LMNRA
succumbed to plague in 2000—01 (J. Rancier,
pers. comm.).
Considered nesting in LMNRA (National Park
Service 2001).
Rare to uncommon breeder in Texas Panhandle,
e.g., the Canadian River Breaks in Potter County
(Barnes and Arnold 2001, Seyffert 2001).
Table 1 (Continued)
Species
Chimney Swift
Belted
Kingfisher
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Downy
Woodpecker
Hairy
Woodpecker
Horned Lark
Barn Swallow
Northern
Rough-winged
Swallow
Blue Jay
Raven sp.
(Chihuahuan
Raven or
Common
Raven)
Canyon Wren
Eastern
Bluebird
American Robin
Curve-billed
Thrasher
Brown Thrasher
Common
Yellowthroat
Lazuli Bunting
Indigo Bunting
Dickcissel
Observed
No
Yes
Yes
Where observed
Sanford Marsh, Bugbee Shores, Big Blue
Creek Valley, Chicken Creek
One at Bonita Creek on November 6,
2003
McBride Canyon (1-2 pairs)
Rosita Meadow, west of Dolomite Point,
Plum Creek, Chicken Creek
One over Rosita Meadows on January
10, 2002, and another on a recently
burned area in Bates Canyon on May
4, 2002.
Cottonwood savanna in the Canadian
River Valley from Rosita Meadows
to Devil’s Canyon late as April 21.
Several pairs recorded in wooded parts
of McBride and Bugbee canyons.
Present on adjacent ranches, e.g.,
Alibates and LX ranches
One at Mullinaw Crossing on June
10, 2003
A male in wet meadow at Bugbee
Creek on May 6, 2003
Comments/References
Reported by Anonymous (1982); common in the
Panhandle (Barnes and Arnold 2001, Seyffert
2001).
Listed by Anonymous (1982); nests in Eastern
Panhandle (Barnes and Arnold, 2001).
Nest in the Canadian River Valley elsewhere in
Texas Panhandle (Seyffert 2001).
Reported for LMNRA (Anonymous 1982) and
elsewhere in the Canadian River Valley
(Barnes and Arnold, 2001; Seyffert 2001).
Common in the Panhandle (Seyffert 2001) and
listed for LMNRA (Anonymous 1982).
Common summer resident and nesting species
(Anonymous 1982).
Nests in the Texas Panhandle (Benson and
Arnold 2001, Seyffert 2001), and reported for
LMNRA (Anonymous 1982).
Confirmed breeding elsewhere in the Canadian
River Valley (Benson and Arnold 2001,
Seyffert 2001).
Seyffert (2001) observed Common Raven in
LMNRA in winter 1983, 1984 and 1993, in
May, 1987 and June, 1994; he also confirmed
Chihuahuan Raven in Potter, Moore, and
Hutchinson counties.
Uncommon resident, presumed nesting
(Anonymous 1982, Seyffert 2001).
Nesting suspected by Anonymous (1982) and
confirmed in the Panhandle by TBBA
(Benson and Arnold 2001).
Common nesting species in the 1970s
(Anonymous 1982).
Associated with tree cholla which is rare in
LMNRA and absent from AFQ.
Known to nest in eastern Panhandle and near
Dumas in Moore County (Seyffert 2001).
“A bird in juvenile plumage” in Sanford Marsh
on July 27, 1987 (Seyffert 2001).
1—2 singing males between McBride and
Mullinaw, and in Plum Creek in 1985 and
1987 (Seyffert 2001).
A nest with a cowbird egg at LMNRA on July
10, 1995. “Singing males, adults carrying
food, and or juveniles” were recorded at
Sanford Dam, libates, McBride canyons,
Mullinaw, and Plum Creek (Seyffert 2001).
Widespread nesting species in the Panhandle
(Benson and Arnold 2001, Seyffert 2001);
listed by Anonymous (1982).
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
14
Table 1 (Continued)
Species Observed Where observed Comments/References
House Finch No Widespread nesting species in the Panhandle
(Benson and Arnold 2001, Seyffert 2001);
listed by Anonymous (1982).
Grasshopper No Reported by Anonymous (1982)
Sparrow
Cassin’s Yes AFQNM, Blue West, east of Bugbee Common nesting species (Anonymous 1982).
Sparrow and at the North End
Rufous-crowned Yes Bates Canyon, AFQ and Cedar Canyon Adult with nesting material in McBride Canyon
Sparrow on June 29, 1975, and “a juvenile-plumaged
bird” there on July 10, 1985 (Seyffert 2001) .
Eastern Yes Spring Canyon and Dolomite Point Nesting suspected in LMNRA (Anonymous
Meadowlark grasslands 1982) and confirmed elsewhere in Hutchinson
and Potter counties (Seyffert 2001).
Orchard Oriole Yes A male in Bugbee area in May, 2003 Nests in Hutchinson County (Seyffert 2001).
House Sparrow Yes Observed in upland mesquite-cotton- Reportedly a common resident in LMNRA
(non-native)
wood savanna east of Bugbee in
(Anonymous 1982), but probably more so in
March, 2003, probably on a foraging surrounding towns and communities.
foray.
THREE NOTEWORTHY SPECIES OF WOODLAND BIRDS INA
RIPARIAN FOREST OF THE LOWER NUECES RIVER, SAN PATRICIO
COUNTY, TEXAS
Mary Kay Skoruppa! AND GENE W. BLACKLOCK”
'U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Gulf Coast Field Research Station, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
*Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Inc., Corpus Christi, TX 78401
ABSTRACT.—Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi), Northern Parula (Parula americana), and
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) territorial males were detected 7 June 2005, in San Patricio County,
in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas. Eight singing Northern Parula males, 1 pair (1 singing
male and | nearby female) of Tropical Parulas, and 6 singing Summer Tanager males were detected
during a territorial male count for summer breeding birds. Based on behavior (some were observed
carrying nesting material) and time of year (June), these species were assumed to be breeding.
Tropical Parulas are considered rare, even in the lower Rio Grande Valley (Hidalgo County) where they once
bred commonly (Brush 2005). Brooks and Kenedy counties still support a small population of Tropical Parulas,
where they can be found in coastal live oak mottes. Tropical Parula warblers were found on the King Ranch (in
Kenedy County) in 1989, but only in a few protected areas where cattle were excluded from oak mottes, thus
allowing forbs and mustang grape to flourish in the understory (Rappole and Klicka 1991). Live oak woodlands
in Brooks and Kenedy counties are the only areas in Texas with confirmed breeding records of the Tropical
Parula (Benson and Arnold 2001). Rare and local summer residents have been reported as far north as Calhoun
and Victoria counties (Lockwood and Freeman 2004); however, these reported sightings did not address breed-
ing. Recent reports of nesting Tropical Parulas have been documented in Jeff Davis County in West Texas
(Lockwood and Freeman 2004) and Travis County in Central Texas (Lorenz and Hunkapiller 2006).
Northern Parulas breed in southeastern Canada and in the eastern U.S. (Moldenhauer and Regelski 1996).
According to U.S. Geological Survey Breeding Bird Survey data (1966-2004), their numbers are stable or
increasing (Sauer et al. 2005). Northern Parulas migrate along the South Texas coast (Rappole and Blacklock
1994). The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas documents “probable” breeding only as far south as Victoria County
(Benson and Arnold 2001), however, there is one unusual record of nesting in Hidalgo County in the lower
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
15
Rio Grande Valley in 1966 (John C. Arvin, in Oberholser 1974) and another sight record (year unknown) in
Live Oak County (Oberholser 1974).
The Summer Tanager historically was a common breeding bird of the Corpus Christi area (Hancock 1887).
Breeding Summer Tanagers can still be found in the oak forests of Brooks and Kenedy counties, but they have not
been found in the lower Rio Grande Valley since 1971, despite once having been common there (Brush 2005).
METHODS AND STUDY AREA
We conducted a survey at the San Patricio de Hibernia Preserve (Hibernia Preserve), a 310 ha tract of land,
including about 148 ha of tall riparian forest along the lower Nueces River near Old San Patricio, Texas (about
34 km west of Corpus Christi). Our survey began at 0600 hr by walking along a trail parallel to the river bank.
The survey was completed by 1000 hr. All singing birds were identified, and the approximate location of each
was indicated on a map of the study area.
The riparian corridor is mostly co-dominated by cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia), sugar hackberry (Celtis lae-
vigata), and anacua (Ehretia anacua). The southwestern corner of the property is dominated by live oak
(Quercus virginiana). Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and ball-moss (Tillandsia recurvata) are conspic-
uous throughout the canopy of all four tree species. Black Willow (Salix nigra) is common along the river
bank. The understory is composed of a diversity of native brush, including granjeno (Celtis pallida), lime
prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum fagara), and brasil (Condalia hookeri), and, in many places, is covered with mus-
tang grape (Vitis mustangensis) interspersed with dewberry (Rosa trivialis) vines.
RESULTS
We detected a total of 26 species during the Hibernia Preserve survey (Blacklock and Skoruppa 2005). Of
these, eight singing Northern Parula males were detected along with at least one pair of Tropical Parula war-
blers. Because the Tropical Parula song is nearly identical to that of the Northern Parula, we can definitively
conclude the presence of only 1 pair of Tropical Parula warblers, which we were able to observe clearly for
approximately 5 min in a cedar elm tree. During this time, we were able to confirm unequivocally the absence
of eye-crescents on both the male and female. Of the parula warblers that we were able to see, all others were
Northern Parulas. Six singing Summer Tanager males were detected.
DISCUSSION
Our observation of a nesting pair of Tropical Parulas represents the third instance of breeding behavior outside
of the known breeding range for this species (Lockwood and Freeman 2004, Lorenz and Hunkapiller 2006). These
sightings (all within the last five years) may indicate that the Tropical Parula is expanding its range. Perhaps more
significant is the discovery of a second location in Texas with overlapping breeding populations of Tropical and
Northern Parula warblers. Our observation of a breeding pair of Tropical Parulas among a breeding population of
Northern Parulas may suggest that the two are separate species. However, similarity in morphology, nesting habits,
and voice has led some authors to consider the two conspecific (Mayr and Short 1970). Recent genetic data sug-
gest this as well (Lovette and Bermingham 2001), but sample size was small (DNA was extracted from only 2
Northern Parula warblers). Other researchers have suggested that overlapping breeding populations of Tropical
and Northern Parula warblers may be causing hybridization between these closely related species (Brush 2005,
Lorenz and Hunkapiller 2006). The occurrence of overlapping populations in South Texas (this study) and in
Central Texas (Lorenz and Hunkapiller 2006) may indicate that the riparian corridors along south-central Texas
rivers systems (i.e., the Nueces, San Antonio, Guadalupe, and Colorado river systems) are a zone of overlapping
populations for Tropical and Northern Parulas. Additional research in these riparian corridors is needed to shed
more light on the taxonomy, evolution, and ecology of these two species.
The breeding Northern Parulas at Hibernia Preserve represent the first breeding record in coastal Texas
south of Victoria County since at least 1974. The habitat at the Hibernia Preserve is consistent with known
habitat in traditional breeding areas (epiphytic growth in tall riparian forests). It is unknown when the breed-
ing Northern Parulas arrived at Hibernia Preserve, but we heard parulas singing as early as 4 March (2006)
and 30 March (2005).
In addition, we documented six territorial male Summer Tanagers at the Hibernia Preserve. This is an
important observation because the Summer Tanager is no longer considered a breeding bird along the lower
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
16
Northern Parula (Parula americana). Photo by Fernando Cerra.
Nueces River (Benson and Arnold 2001), nor has it been documented in any South Texas Breeding Bird
Survey routes since 1985 (Robsinson 1996).
The presence of this relatively undisturbed riparian forest in San Patricio County is also significant, because more
than 90% of the riparian habitat in South Texas has been cleared for agricultural or urban use (Jahrsdoerfer and
Leslie 1988, Fulbright and Bryant 2002). The San Patricio de Hibernia Preserve can maintain breeding woodland
bird populations, including rare and/or tropical breeding birds, by protecting the riparian habitat from fragmenta-
tion (i.e., excessive road construction or other clearing), which could lower breeding bird species diversity (Rupert
and Brush 2006) and increase cowbird parasitism on parula warblers and Summer Tanagers (Friedmann and Kiff
1985, Robinson 1996, Brush 1999). Both species of parula are dependent upon Spanish moss for nesting. This epi-
phyte is especially sensitive to air pollution (Moldenhauer and Regelski 1996, Regelski and Moldenhauer 1997) and
changes in humidity. Livestock grazing or alteration of the understory could alter the microclimate that sustains the
Spanish moss, thus threatening one of the few remaining unspoiled riparian forests in South Texas.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank Terry Simpson and William Zagorski of San Patricio County, and Ray Allen of the
Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Inc., for access to the property. David Newstead, Jake Herring,
Damon Williford, Sarah Brown, Jaimie Ingold, Albert Luna, Tommy Skoruppa, and Jon T. Skoruppa assisted
with field work. We thank Marc Woodin, Claude D’ Unger, John Rappole, and an anonymous reviewer for pro-
viding helpful reviews of the manuscript.
LITERATURE CITED
Benson, K. L. P., AND K. A. ARNOLD. (2001). The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas. Texas A&M University System, College
Station and Corpus Christi, TX. http://tbba.cbi.tamucc.edu.
BLACKLOCK, G., AND M. K. Skoruppa. 2005. San Patricio de Hibernia Preserve Breeding Bird Survey. The Brown Pelican,
Newsletter of the Coastal Bend Audubon Society, November/December 2005, pp. 4-5. http://www.ccbirding.com/cbas/
nl/2005_1112.pdf
Brusu, T. 1999. Current status of Northern Beardless-tyrannulet and Tropical Parula in Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State
Park and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Southern Texas. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 32:3-12.
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ACCOUNTS OF BIRDS IN TEXAS NEWSPAPERS, 1830-1860
STANLEY D. Casto!
Department of Biology, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, Texas 76513
ABSTRACT.—Eighty-eight accounts of birds published in Texas newspapers before 1860 are
discussed according to their subject content. A chronological list of references to birds published
in Texas papers before 1860 is presented as an appendix.
Nearly 350 newspapers were published in Texas before the Civil War. Most of these papers were “propa-
ganda or special-purpose sheets” dealing with politics (Sibley 1983). Many early papers were short-lived and
few if any issues are still in existence. Those that are still available occasionally contain information on birds.
Newspapers were widely exchanged between communities and, because of this practice, the same article was
often printed in more than one paper. Periodicals from the eastern United States were also widely circulated
in Texas and articles on birds were often reprinted from these sources.
Fundamental changes in the fauna and flora of Texas are believed to have begun about 1860 (Weniger 1984).
The following accounts thus represent a time before the natural environment and bird life of Texas had undergone
major alteration. Unfortunately, it was also a time when there was little organized science in Texas. Although sev-
eral ornithologists and collectors [J. J. and J. W. Audubon, Edward Harris, S. W. Woodhouse, Adolphus Heermann,
J. P. McCown, G. A. McCall and the naturalists of the U.S.—Mexico Boundary Survey] visited or worked in Texas
before 1860, their published works were not readily available to the general public. For most Texans, newspapers
articles were perhaps the only material they might ever read containing information on birds.
Eighty-eight articles mentioning birds have been found in Texas newspapers published before 1860.
Considering the turmoil of revolution, nationhood, statehood, and impending civil war, as well as problems on
the frontier, it is surprising that birds received any attention whatsoever. Birds were seldom identified to species,
an omission attributable to the fact that lists and guides to Texas birds were not available until the 1850s (Baird,
! Present address: 159 Red Oak, Seguin, Texas 78155. E-mail: Sscasto2@ aol.com
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
18
1858, 1859, Cassin 1856, Woodhouse 1853). While most of the information in the early accounts is factual, some
interpretations are highly romanticized. At least one story is fictional and intended only as entertainment.
The following newspaper accounts are arranged in eight categories based on their subject content: abundance,
hunting, migration, crop depredation, behavior, morbidity and morality, protection, and “miscellaneous.” A
chronological list of articles on birds published before 1860 is presented in the appendix. The exact date and news-
paper in which an account was published, if not cited in the text, can be determined by consulting the appendix.
ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS
Texans have always had strong feelings about vultures (Casto 1988) and it is not surprising that they are the
first species to be featured in a Texas newspaper. This account, a colorful blend of truth and fiction, was writ-
ten by “The Traveller’ and published in the Texas Gazette on 27 February 1830 at the small village of San
Felipe de Austin. The identity of “The Traveller” is unknown but a clue to his nationality may perhaps be
found in the British spelling of his pen name.
Two stories were used by “The Traveller” to illustrate abundance of the Turkey Vulture. In the first story, a
sportsman killed a large buck that he then hung in a tree before going home. Upon returning within an hour
and a half, he was amazed to see large numbers of vultures and to find the bones of the buck hanging from
the tree but “completely stripped of hide, flesh, muscle and sinew.” In the second story, a hunter came upon
two deer in the prairie grass, one of which was shot whereupon the other fled some 200 paces where it was
also shot and killed. As the hunter tended to the second deer, he noticed vultures gathering at the carcass of
the first. Suspecting their purpose, he ran back to the first deer only to find it mostly devoured. Then, while
pondering this turn of events, he looked back to where the second deer had fallen only to see it covered with
vultures and, for the most part, already consumed.
The stories of “The Traveller” strain the credibility of modern readers. However, Orceneth Fisher, a
Methodist minister who visited Texas in 1839, tells of a cow being reduced by vultures to a pile of bones in less
than an hour (Fisher 1841). Two things seem obvious from these accounts—vultures were very numerous and
they were adept at defleshing the carcasses of the large herbivores with which they shared the prairies of Texas.
Other species, in addition to vultures, were also very abundant in early Texas. Huge flocks of “wild pigeons’
[Passenger Pigeons] were reported in 1843, 1845, 1851, and 1856. Immense numbers of partridges [bob-
whites] were seen at Clarksville in 1843. “Swarms of plover” [most likely Upland Sandpipers] were present
in the vicinity of Galveston during the spring of 1857. In 1855 flocks of plovers “covered” the prairies in
Gonzales County. Plovers were so numerous in Washington County during the spring of 1857 that it seemed
as if “the whole earth [was] covered with them.” Just as awesome but more menacing were the enormous
flocks of marauding Dickcissels that devastated the spring wheat of North Central Texas (Casto 2002).
HUNTING OF BIRDS
Hunting for sport was seldom mentioned in the newspapers and most reports are from coastal areas such as
Harris (1840), Galveston (1843, 1845), Nueces (1858, 1860), and Matagorda counties (1858). There are also
isolated reports from the inland counties of Bexar (1854) and Washington (1857).
Ducks, geese, plovers, snipe, partridges [bobwhites], wild pigeons, turkeys, and swans were the birds most often
hunted. During April 1843, the carelessness of hunters while shooting plover within the city limits of Galveston
resulted in the accidental wounding of three citizens. Large numbers of wild pigeons were killed with poles at the
roost near Clarksville in 1843. The actual number of birds taken by a hunting party was occasionally mentioned.
For example, during October 1845 a slave on Colonel [James] Morgan’s plantation near Galveston killed 65 ducks
in two hours. Three Germans killed 90 bobwhites on the outskirts of San Antonio during November 1854. A trav-
eler between Brenham and Washington shot numerous plover along the road between Brenham and Washington
during March 1857. A contest sponsored by a hunting club during January 1858 resulted in 117 geese and 44
turkeys being taken at Corpus Christi. In October 1858, two residents of Austin were reported to have killed 40
ducks and 7 brants. One sportsman attempted to import and propagate a species for the purpose of hunting. In
1857, Hugh Haynie, a sportsman from Austin brought two pairs of Gambel’s Quail from El Paso that he hoped to
release in Travis County. The birds did not reproduce, and the experiment ended in failure.
Freshly killed birds were routinely displayed in the markets, peddled door-to-door, and sold to the restaurants
in early Texas (Casto 1983). During the winter of 1852, the markets at Indianola were well stocked with ducks
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
Wild Pigeons in Texas. — We learn from the Northern Standard that
large numbers of wild pigeons established their roosts in the country
around Clarksville in Red River County, in the fore part of June last.
They were often knocked down at night and killed with sticks and
poles by citizens of that section, who found their visit acceptable, as
they were fat and tender. The oldest citizens of that county had never
seen them in that section in summer and it is supposed the
remarkable cold season caused them to form their roosts further
south than heretofore [Telegraph and Texas Register, 16 Aug. 1843].
Figure 1. Wild Pigeons in Texas. Passenger Pigeons generally arrived on their wintering grounds in Texas during late September or
October. The occurrence of a large roost at Clarksville during June 1843 suggests that a significant number of birds did not migrate
north during the spring of 1843 but instead remained to nest somewhere in north central Texas or Indian Territory.
and geese. The markets at Galveston offered “almost every variety” of ducks and geese during 1857.
Advertisements for the hotel at Anderson in Grimes County were illustrated in 1856 with images of a plover and
a turkey accompanied by the boast that the hotel table would “always be supplied with the best that the market
affords.”
Feathers were valued commodities in early Texas. In 1839 feathers were selling in New Orleans for 50-60
cents per pound but by 1852 the price had declined to 30—40 cents. Feathers were not common on hats during
this time, and it is assumed that these prices were for down feathers used for stuffing mattresses and pillows.
Following the epizootic that killed thousands of geese, brant [smaller species of geese] and other waterfowl in
Galveston Bay during 1845, local citizens quickly set about gathering feathers from the dead birds (Casto 2004).
MIGRATION OF BIRDS
The fall migration of waterfowl received considerable attention. The arrival of the first geese was consid-
ered a sign that the weather would soon turn cold. The wisdom of this folklore was verified when the arrival
of geese at Houston during the first week of September 1839 was followed within a few days by the first
norther of the season. The relationship between the arrival of geese and the onset of cold weather was further
noted in reports published at Houston during 1841, 1843, 1845, 1848, and at Belton during 1858. The arrival
of ducks, geese, and other winter fowl at Indianola during October 1859 relieved the apprehension of further
outbreaks of yellow fever, a viral disease carried by mosquitoes. Sandhill Cranes were also considered to be
a “harbinger of cold weather” (Belton Independent, 23 Oct. 1858). The enormous flocks of swallows along
the Texas coast were said to always leave on their southern migration within a few days following the arrival
of the first geese (Telegraph and Texas Register, 20 Oct. 1841).
Only two species, Dickcissels and Purple Martins, are mentioned as spring migrants. Dickcissels arrived in
North Central Texas during mid to late May at the time the spring wheat was beginning to mature (Casto
2002). In 1845 and 1847, the first Purple Martins returned to Houston during the last week in February.
A casual reference to spring migration is found in the Galveston Weekly News for 19 May 1857. In a letter
dated May 3“, a correspondent [“G.N.”’] from Corpus Christi mentioned seeing large numbers of brightly col-
ored birds of different “varieties” in the area. The birds were most likely warblers, and their occurrence in such
numbers as to arouse the curiosity of a layperson may perhaps be explained by the climatic events that
occurred in the preceding weeks.
The year 1857 began with typical winter weather, but in early February there was an unseasonable warming.
By April the grass was green, gardens and orchards were thriving, and shrubs and trees were covered with
leaves and blooms. This “false spring” soon came to an end. On April 5", an Arctic cold front entered the state
and over the next three days killed much of the emerging spring vegetation. This first cold wave was followed
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
20
Caution to Sportsmen. — Not less than three accidents, fortunately
but slight, have occurred within a few days past from the carelessness
of people shooting birds in the suburbs of town, the shot having struck
persons and entered houses within the range of the fire. In two cases
narrow escapes were had from fatal results. The swarms of plover
upon the prairie keep hunters continually employed, and many families
live in fear of accidents. There is an ordinance against shooting in the
vicinity of houses and we learn that complaints will be made against
offenders and its strict enforcement exacted hereafter [Civilian and
Galveston City Gazette, 11 April 1843].
Figure 2. Caution to Sportsmen. Flocks of migrating plovers were sometimes found within the city limits of Galveston. The ordi-
nance against shooting in the vicinity of houses was commonly ignored by hunters with the result that bystanders were often pep-
pered with birdshot.
by a second “norther’” on April 10" that produced hail and snow as far south as Austin. A third episode of freez-
ing temperatures from about April 21“ to the 24" left much of the vegetation throughout the state looking as
though it had been killed by fire (Casto 2003). It is likely that the severity of the weather during late April stalled
the northward passage of warblers resulting in unusually large numbers being seen along the Texas coast.
CROP DEPREDATION BY BIRDS
Dickcissels or “wheat birds” as they were commonly called, were major pests in North Central Texas from
1849 through the mid-1890s (Casto 2002, Ragsdale 1892). Migrating flocks consisting of millions of birds
arrived in Texas during the early spring when the wheat was in the “dough” stage. Individual birds would
alight on a stalk, insert their bill into a grain and extract the soft contents, and so on until the entire head was
destroyed. Efforts to drive the birds from the fields were generally futile (Casto 2002). Newspaper accounts
of the depredations of Dickcissels are known for 1857, 1858, 1859, and 1860.
Larks and blackbirds were also reported to be agricultural pests. The Galveston Weekly News noted that
these species were doing serious damage to the young corn in Caldwell County during the spring of 1859. The
birds apparently attacked the corn following appearance of the sprouts. By pecking and scratching around the
sprouts, they would unearth the corn grains, which would then be eaten. In 1839, readers of the Houston
Morning Star were advised that corn soaked in a strong solution of saltpeter [potassium nitrate] and scattered
throughout the field would deter the depredations of crows. In 1852, strychnine was widely used around
LaGrange to poison blackbirds, crows, and other pests.
Orchards and fruit trees were widespread in Texas before 1860, yet no reports of depredations by birds on
this produce have been found. Although the Carolina Parakeet was widely believed to be an orchard pest, no
mention of this species has been found in the early newspapers. Neither has there been found any mention of
mockingbirds and woodpeckers, which occasionally damage fruit. Beneficial birds included “jays” which
spread of the seeds of shrubs and trees (Northern Standard, 10 Sept. 1842) and plovers that ate young
grasshoppers during the spring (Galveston Weekly News, 10 April 1855). Although normally considered to be
a serious agricultural pest, the Dickcissels that arrived in Dallas County during the spring of 1857 were praised
for their good work in controlling an outbreak of “cutworms.”
BEHAVIOR OF BIRDS
Early Texans were undoubtedly keen observers of birds, yet little was published on the behavior of resident
species. Many of the accounts are romanticized anecdotes of little or no scientific value. Several of the arti-
cles were originally published in eastern newspapers and magazines.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
21
The “sagacity” of geese and ducks was the subject of two early anecdotes. The earliest account (1841)
describes the food begging behavior of a goose owned by a planter at San Augustine. Each morning at day-
break the gander would tap incessantly on the door to awaken its owner. When the door was opened, the goose
would perform a series of nods and wing flaps after which it would head for the corncrib with the expectation
of receiving a handful of corn. A second anecdote describes an imagined romantic triangle in Mandarin ducks
during which a rival male is killed at the behest of a female that had been sexually harassed (Matagorda
Weekly Dispatch, 21 Sept. 1844).
A delightful description of the courtship and nesting of a pair of Barn Swallows was published in the
Civilian and Galveston Gazette during 1844. The identity of the author [Mrs. Child] is uncertain, although she
may have been the wife of George Washington Child who lived in Colorado County. In this charming but
highly anthropomorphic account, the author describes the courtship, nesting building, incubation, brooding,
and fledging of the young of a pair of Barn Swallows that had taken up residence in the family woodshed
The foraging and flocking behavior of “wheat birds” [Dickcissels] is described in the San Augustine
Eastern Texian for 5 June 1858. The description of how the birds extract the soft material of the immature
wheat grains and the response of the flocks to efforts by the farmers to drive them from the fields, strongly
suggests that an eyewitness wrote the account.
Several accounts of bird behavior are from papers or magazines published in the eastern United States. In
1839 the Colorado Gazette and Advertiser featured an article from the Baltimore Sun describing how a Bald
Eagle harassed a “fish hawk” [Osprey] causing it to drop the fish that it was carrying. The fish was caught in
mid-air by the eagle and carried away to be eaten, a behavior today known as kleptoparasitism. Articles
reprinted from the Boston Traveller include a description of the response of a pair of nesting swallows to a
snake (1845) and the story of a young Bobolink that learned to imitate the songs of canaries (1851). Articles
reprinted from Country Gentleman [NY] describe the behavior of a small, unidentified bird foraging for
insects on a row of cabbages (Dallas Herald, 1 June 1859) and the activity of a pair of Blue Titmice [England]
while attending their young (San Antonio Daily Ledger and Texan, 21 Dec. 1860). An article reprinted from
the New England Farmer describes what were believed to be seven different songs of the Song Sparrow
[Washington American, 12 Nov. 1856].
The Corpus Christi Ranchero for 22 December 1860 noted that birds communicate the presence of food
to others of their species and that the alarm note of the parent bird instantly silences the chirping of its
young. Vision was judged to be more important to the safety of birds than their sense of smell. An article
in the Belton Weekly Independent (3 Oct. 1857) explained that hummingbirds use their tongue to obtain
Birds of Passage. — The wild geese are just returning from the north.
Their early arrival is a harbinger of cold weather. We may therefore
look out for a frost within a few days. It is a singular fact that the
swallows leave this country for the southern latitudes, just as the wild
geese return from the north; whether they are warned by the sight of
the geese, to commence their flight, or are influenced by some impulse
of instinct is a query for the naturalist to solve. A few days since
immense flocks of swallows were seen flying about preparatory to
taking their final leave for the season. Within a day or two we have
not seen one remaining [Telegraph and Texas Register, 20 October
1841].
Figure 3. Birds of Passage. Residents along the gulf coast believed that the arrival of geese indicated that the weather would soon
turn cold. The observation that swallows departed shortly after the arrival of the geese suggests that the editor of the Telegraph and
Texas Register was a keen observer of bird behavior.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
22
Corpus Christi, May 3, 1857
Eds. News: -- Last night we had the first rain of any note since Oct.
26", °56. The first part of the winter was very mild, but since March
13", fires have been kept up to this day, and I am now sitting by a
good fire. There is, at this time, a strange phenomenon about this
region, in the shape of a numerous variety of birds, never before seen
in this country. They are of all varieties, colors and hues. Can any of
your scientific readers account for this?.... Yours, &c., G. N.
[Galveston Weekly News, 19 May 1857].
Figure 4. Letter from Corpus Christi. The factors responsible for the “fall-out” of early migrants along the Texas gulf coast are
now well known. However, nothing was known of this phenomenon in 1857 and the author of this letter was eager to find someone
who could explain this unusual occurrence.
nectar and catch insects, oystercatchers use their bill to open bivalves, and tailorbirds use their bills and feet
to construct nests.
MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF BIRDS
A severe storm passed over Galveston Bay one night during the first week of November 1845. The follow-
ing morning thousands of dead ducks, brant [smaller varieties of geese, and other waterfowl were found dead
in the bay. Various causes were suggested but no conclusion was reached. In retrospect, the evidence suggests
that the birds died of cholera. If so, this event represents the first report of an avian epizootic in Texas and per-
haps in the entire United States (Casto 2004). Less than a month after the epizootic in Galveston Bay, the
Houston Morning Star (2 Dec. 1845) reported that many of the geese killed by hunters in the interior coun-
ties were so poor and weak that they could hardly fly. Disease was suggested as a possible cause.
Storms undoubtedly resulted in the deaths of many birds but mortality from this cause was seldom reported.
Brief articles during 1844 and 1847 in the Telegraph and Texas Register noted that many fowls were killed dur-
ing severe hailstorms in Robertson and Lavaca counties. Although no mortality was noted, a severe ‘norther’
during February 1851 caused the “snow birds” [juncos?] at Clarksville to seek shelter within houses and other
manmade structures.
PROTECTION OF BIRDS
The migratory locust (Melanoplus spretus) made its first appearance in Texas during 1845. Little attention
was paid to this pest until October 1848 when enormous swarms of grasshoppers suddenly appeared on the
prairies between Waco and San Antonio. The adult hoppers devastated the native vegetation, as well as the
crops and gardens of the settlers before depositing their eggs in the soil. These eggs hatched during the first
warm days of 1849 and the wingless young soon spread over the countryside consuming all forms of plant
life. In an article originally published in the Southwestern Christian Advocate [Nashville, TN] and reprinted
in the Texas Democrat (21 April 1849), it was noted that “prairie fowls” consumed vast numbers of the young
locusts, and it was suggested this entire class of birds should be protected between February and September.
This acknowledgment of the role of birds in controlling insects and of the need for their protection may per-
haps mark the beginning of the conservation movement in Texas.
The need and desirability of protecting birds again became a public issue during the latter 1850s. In an arti-
cle originally published in the Lancaster Whig [PA] and reprinted in the Washington American on 26 May
1857, it was stated that the recent increase in harmful insects was due to the wanton destruction of birds.
Several species of birds were declared to be benefactors of man and, in contrast to prevailing opinion, it was
claimed that crows and blackbirds do more good than harm.
Birds and other wildlife were often ill treated in early Texas. In contrast, the Belton Weekly Independent for
22 May 1858 noted that birds in Japan were treated “very kindly” and never shot for sport. When the sailors
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
23
with Commodore Perry began to shoot birds, the Japanese implored their commander to stop the practice. It
was further related that the treaty signed between the United States and Japan included a provision that the
birds of Japan must be protected. Drawing a parallel, it was maintained that the birds in the United States
should also be protected and that if this were not done people might as well say “good bye to fruit, for the
insects will [surely] eat it up.”
Birds and other wildlife were hunted year-round with no limit on the number killed. The excesses of this
practice were first brought to the attention of the public in an article published in the Nueces Valley [Corpus
Christi] on 14 December 1857 which suggested that a judicious game law “would be beneficial to the future
of Texas.” A bill establishing such a law was introduced into the Legislature by the representative from Corpus
Christi but was tabled without consideration. No further attempts were made to protect birds until the passage
on 2 February 1860 of a law to protect the quail on Galveston Island (Gammel 1898).
MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES
Several articles do not fit the above categories. Topics covered in these miscellaneous articles include
reports of a great flight of birds at Baltimore, Maryland, the possible role of birds in transferring fish eggs,
activities of the Audubon family, mockingbirds at La Grange, killing eagles, fossil bird tracks, bird guano, the
commercial harvest of birds’ eggs, collection of the White-tailed Ptarmigan in the United States, and the fic-
tional story of the “Turpentine Turkeys.”
Great Flight of Birds.—A great number of shorebirds, presumed to be plovers, were seen flying over
Baltimore, Maryland, during a nocturnal thunderstorm in the late spring of 1843. The flight was considered
unusual because of the lateness of the season and the enormous number of birds involved. Several of the birds,
described as about the size of robins and having a grayish plumage, became grounded during the storm and
were captured the following morning. Details of this event were published in the Baltimore American and
reprinted in the Telegraph and Texas Register on 5 July 1843.
Transfer of Fish Eggs.—Travelers in the coastal counties observed a strange phenomenon during October
and November 1843. The prairies were covered with shallow pools of water as a result of heavy rains during
the preceding months. In these “mud holes” were thousands of tiny catfish. Since these pools had no connec-
tion with any stream, most people believed that the fish had been deposited along with the rain. This expla-
nation was rejected by the editor of the Telegraph and Texas Register in favor of the equally improbable idea
that birds had deposited the eggs of the catfish on the prairie where they had remained in a dormant state until
the fall rains created a favorable condition for them to hatch.
John James and Lucy Audubon.—John James Audubon was well known in Texas and his activities were
occasionally noted in the press. In the spring of 1843, it was announced that Audubon had recently arrived in
Cincinnati, Ohio, on his way to collect birds in the Rocky Mountains. A second article (1847) noted the work
of Audubon on the birds and quadrupeds of North America and attributed much of his success to his wife,
Lucy, a “calm, wise, cheerful helper, who had suffered hardships and long separations while steadfastly sup-
porting the work of her husband.” A memorial to the life and work of Audubon was published in the Telegraph
& Texas Register following his death on 27 January 1851.
Mockingbirds at LaGrange.—In mid-February 1845 it was reported that the mockingbirds at LaGrange
had begun to sing thus indicating an early spring. A second article during April 1845 noted that the mocking-
bird “bears to us the glorious intelligence that the sad and dreary winter has past.” Drawing an analogy with
the political events of the era, it was further suggested that the “joyous” song of the mockingbird also signaled
the impending annexation of Texas by the United States.
John Woodhouse Audubon.—John James Audubon never returned to Texas following his collecting trip
to Galveston in 1837. He did, however, send his son, John Woodhouse Audubon, to collect birds and mam-
mals in western Texas. The younger Audubon arrived at Galveston on 22 December 1845. The article
announcing his arrival expressed the hope that Audubon would keep a sharp lookout for those bipeds that
ornamented their heads with owl feathers. This warning was not given in jest for the area west of San Antonio
was then under attack by bands of hostile Indians. Audubon collected around San Antonio for several weeks
but, because of the Indian menace, was unable to visit the San Saba and Llano rivers as originally planned.
Although a number of mammals were collected, there seems to be no record of any new species of birds being
taken (Anon. 1846, Ford 1951).
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
24
Mr. Audubon. — Among the passengers who lately arrived at
Galveston on the steamship Galveston, was the son of the celebrated
naturalist Audubon. He intends visiting the western sections of Texas
to obtain ornithological specimens for his father. We hope that he will
keep a sharp look out for the bipeds whose heads are generally
ormamented with owl's feathers, for they are constantly on the watch to
destroy white men, and it is said that they have often been known to
devour them. If Mr. Audubon should have an opportunity to visit the
valley of the Llano or San Saba he might perhaps find a bird in that
region that has never been described by any naturalist. It resembles
the wild turkey but is much smaller, and in its habits is not unlike the
grouse. These birds are never seen in flocks, but generally alone or in
pairs. The old hunters who have visited this section say, that they are
the most singular birds that they have ever seen, and that they are the
most difficult to kill. They are never known to fly, but run with
astonishing velocity [Telegraph and Texas Register, 24 December
1845].
Figure 5. Mr. Audubon. John James Audubon and his son, John Woodhouse, were well known in Texas. In this article the editor of
the Telegraph and Texas Register notes the dangers and the opportunities that the younger Audubon would encounter while collect-
ing in the interior of Texas.
Man Kills Eagles.—In March of 1846, the LaGrange Intelligencer published the story of a man from
Sodus Bay, New York, who supposedly used a club to kill two Bald Eagles that were engaged in fierce com-
bat while on the ground.
Fossil Bird Tracks.—Experts on fossil birds were undoubtedly as scarce as hen’s teeth in early Texas. This
lack of formal training did not, however, stop the editor of the Corpus Christi Star (1848) from declaring,
without evidence or explanation, that tracks found in the limestone strata along “The Brushy [Creek?]” were
probably those of a giant, extinct bird.
Guano.—Bird guano, most likely obtained from the droppings of domestic fowls, was undoubtedly used as a
fertilizer in early Texas. Guano may also have been collected from some of the traditional roosting sites of Passenger
Pigeons, such as the roost on Wolf Creek north of Palestine where deposits were a foot or more deep (Casto 2001).
Three articles mention the use of guano as a fertilizer. The first, published in 1851, described the value of poultry
manure as a fertilizer whereas a later article (1855) noted that the direct application of guano to a plant might cause
it to burn. A third article in 1856 described the bird life and guano deposits on the islands off the coast of Peru.
Edible Nests.—An article in the Telegraph & Texas Register during 1851 described the nests of the Edible-
nest Swiftlet in China. Although it was noted that the nests were highly valued by Chinese epicures, the author
apparently did not know that the nests were constructed of the dried saliva of the birds.
Egging.—There may have been some interest in the commercial harvest of eggs in early Texas. In 1855, the
Central Texian featured an article on “egging” based on information from a correspondent in San Francisco. In
this article, it was claimed that 500,000 Murre eggs had been collected on the Fallarone Islands and sold in San
Francisco during the 1854 nesting season. Although there is no direct evidence, it is reasonable to assume that
the eggs of birds nesting along the Texas coast were occasionally harvested for sale during the 1840s and 1850s.
White-tailed Ptarmigan.—Exploration of the western United States was well underway during the 1850s
and people were eager to learn of the most recent discoveries. In August 1858, the San Augustine Eastern
Texian announced that during his explorations in the Rocky Mountains Captain R. B. Marcy had obtained
specimens of the White-tailed Ptarmigan, the first ever taken in the United States. The skins of two birds, col-
lected at Cochetope Pass, Colorado, were forwarded to the Smithsonian and were, at the time of their receipt,
the only specimens of the species in any American museum (Baird 1858).
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
25
Turpentine Turkeys.—This masterpiece of imagination is included in a letter dated 2 October 1843 that
was first published in the Concordia Intelligencer [LA] and later in the Spirit of the Times [NY] and, finally,
in the Matagorda Weekly Dispatch on 30 March 1844. The author of the letter (“P.O.F.”) was part of a group
exploring the Cross Timbers of Texas and Oklahoma. Game was scarce and the explorers were living mainly
on wild turkeys found in the area. Food was also in short supply for the turkeys, which were compelled by
necessity to eat large quantities of “pine burrs.” After eating the “burrs” for a long time the turkeys became
“so impregnated with turpentine, that they caught fire” and burned up when an attempt was made to roast
them. This dilemma was solved when one of the men took a dozen turkeys, well cleaned, covered them with
six inches of dirt, and then built a large fire over the pile. While the birds were cooking, small streams of clear
tar were seen running out of the heap but by evening they were well-cooked, having shrunk to the size of
chickens and, although “very dry,” still tolerable for food.
The turpentine turkeys were also reported to have saved the scalps of a band of hunters some months earlier.
Indians had surrounded the hunters in a small patch of brush and were waiting for morning to make their attack.
During the night there was a terrible storm and a bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree in which a flock of turkeys
were roosting. As the lightning descended into the tree, the turkeys “were instantly on fire, and flying toward the
Indians, fell blazing and hissing among them.” The Indians, believing these feathered fireballs evidence of the supe-
rior weaponry of the white men, immediately fled leaving the hunters “in peaceful possession of the country.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Credit for the bird accounts is given to the editors who originally published them. Newspapers cited in the
text and appendix are found at The Center For American History at UT Austin, East Texas Research Center at
Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Collection at Baylor University, Texas State Library, Texas State
Archives, and the San Antonio Public Library.
LITERATURE CITED
Anon. 1846. Young Audubon returned. New Orleans Daily Picayune, 15 March 1846.
Bairpb, S. F. 1858. Explorations and surveys for a railroad route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Birds:
Vol. IX, Part II. Washington: Beverly Tucker.
. 1859. Birds of the boundary, pp. 1-34. In Report on the United States and Mexican boundary survey, by W. H.
Emory, vol. 2, pt. 2. Washington: C. Wendell (1987 reprint, Texas State Historical Association).
Cassin, J. 1856. Illustrations of the birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America. Philadelphia: J. B.
Lippincott (1991 reprint, Texas State Historical Association).
Casto, S. D. 1983. The market hunting of Texas birds. Bulletin Texas Ornithological Society 16:2-15.
. 1988. Perceptions of vultures by the Indians and early Texans. Bulletin Texas Ornithological Society 21:2-9.
. 2001. Additional records of the Passenger Pigeon in Texas. Bulletin Texas Ornithological Society 34:5-16.
. 2002. Depredation of Texas wheat by migrating dickcissels. Bulletin Texas Ornithological Society 35:29-31.
. 2003. The Texas gray squirrel migration of 1857. East Texas Historical Journal 41:48-50.
. 2004. The Galveston Bay epizootic of 1845. Bulletin Texas Ornithological Society 37:28-29.
FisHer, O. 1841. Sketches: Texas in 1840. (1964 reprint, Waco: Texian Press).
Forp, A. 1951. Audubon’s animals: The quadrupeds of North America. New York: Studio Publications, Inc.
GamMeEL, H. P. N. 1898. The laws of Texas, 1822-1897. Austin: Gammel Book Company.
GEISER, S. W. 1948. Naturalists on the frontier. Dallas: SMU Press.
RAGSDALE, G. H. 1894. Wheat birds. Gainesville Hesperian, 20 May 1894.
Srey, M. M. 1983. Lone stars and state gazettes: Texas newspapers before the Civil War. College Station: Texas A&M
University Press.
WENIGER, DEL. 1984. The explorer’s Texas: The lands and waters. Austin: Eakin Publications, Inc.
WoopHousE, S. W. 1853. Birds, pp. 58-105. In Report of an expedition down the Zuni and Colorado rivers, by Captain L.
Sitgreaves. 32™ Congress, 2™ session, Senate Executive Doc. No. 59.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
26
Appendix 1.
Accounts of Birds in Texas Newspapers, 1830-1860.
YEAR LOCALITY NEWSPAPER SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
1830 Austin County Texas Gazette describes enormous numbers of
(27 Feb. 1830) Turkey Vultures on Texas prairies
1839 Harris County Houston Morning Star feathers sell for 50-60 cents
(24 April 1839) per pound in New Orleans
1839 Harris County Houston Morning Star corn soaked in a strong brine of
(30 April 1839) saltpeter repels crow
1839 Matagorda County Colorado Gazette and Bald Eagle steals a fish from an
Advertiser (16 Nov. 1839) Osprey
1839 Harris County Houston Morning Star arrival of geese indicates the early
(11 Sept. 1839) onset of winter
1840 Harris County Houston Morning Star ducks and geese are being hunted
(27 Oct. 1840) in the vicinity
1841 San Augustine County Red-Lander describes food-begging behavior
(30 Sept. 1841). of a pet goose
1841 Harris County Houston Morning Star geese arriving...immense flocks of
(20 Oct. 1841) swallows prepare to head south
1842 Red River County Northern Standard advises on the importance of jays
(10 Sept. 1842) in spreading seeds of shrubs and trees
1843 Red River County Northern Standard large numbers of partridges
(14 Jan. 1843) [bobwhites] near Clarksville
1843 Galveston County Civilian & Galveston swarms of plover on prairies...many
Gazette (11 April 1843) shot in suburbs of Galveston
1843 Harris County Telegraph and Texas Audubon arrives at Cincinnati on
Register (19 April 1843) his way to the Rocky Mountains
1843 Harris County Telegraph and Texas large, nocturnal flight of birds
Register (5 July 1843) passes over Baltimore, MD
1843 Red River County Northern Standard wild pigeon roost near Clarksville
(13 July 1843) for past six weeks
1843 Harris County Telegraph & Texas geese and other migratory birds are
Register (18 Oct. 1843) arriving
1843 Galveston County Civilian & Galveston wild fowl abundant... hunters
Gazette (28 Oct. 1843) having great sport
1843 Harris County Telegraph & Texas birds believed to deposit eggs of
Register (29 Nov. 1943) catfish in prairie potholes
1843 Red River County Northern Standard pigeons killed at roost ten miles
(16 Dec. 1843) from Clarksville
1844 Matagorda County Matagorda Weekly fictional story of the turpentine
Dispatch (30 Mar. 1844) turkeys
1844 Harris County Telegraph and Texas hailstorm kills fowls in
Register (10 April 1844) Robertson County
1844 Galveston County Civilian & Galveston account of the nesting of a pair of
Gazette (25 May 1844) Barn Swallows
1844 Matagorda County Matagorda Weekly story of love and revenge in
Dispatch (21 Sept. 1844) Mandarin ducks
1845 Fayette County LaGrange Intelligencer notes that mockingbirds are
(13 Feb. 1845) beginning to sing
1845 Harris County Houston Morning Star notes return of Purple Martins to
(1 Mar. 1845) Houston
1845 Fayette County LaGrange Intelligencer song of mockingbirds announces
(7 April 1845)
arrival of spring Continued
Column 1, year of publication; Column 2, county in which the newspaper was published; Column 3, name of
newspaper and date of publication; Column 4, brief description of contents.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
YEAR
1845
1845
1845
1845
1845
1845
1845
1846
1846
1847
1847
1847
1848
1848
1849
1851
1851
1851
1851
1851
1851
1852
1852
1852
1854
1855
1855
1855
LOCALITY
Harris County
Galveston County
Harris County
Harris County
Harris County
Harris County
Harris County
Fayette County
Harris County
Fayette County
Harris County
Harris County
Harris County
Nueces County
Travis County
Red River County
Harris County
Harris County
Galveston County
Harris County
Harris County
Fayette County
Galveston County
Calhoun County
Bexar County
Grimes County
Galveston County
Brazoria County
NEWSPAPER
Telegraph & Texas
Register (15 Oct. 1845)
Houston Morning Star
(21 Oct. 1845)
Telegraph and Texas
Register (22 Oct. 1845)
Houston Morning Star
(8 Nov. 1845)
Houston Morning Star
(2 Dec. 1845)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (24 Dec. 1845)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (31 Dec. 1845)
LaGrange Intelligencer
(14 March 1846)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (21 Oct. 1846)
LaGrange Far West
(13 Feb. 1847)
Telegraph and Texas
Register (22 Feb. 1847)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (29 Mar. 1847)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (19 Oct. 1848)
Corpus Christi Star
(16 Dec. 1848)
Austin Texas Democrat
(21 April 1849)
Northern Standard
(1 March 1851)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (7 March 1851)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (2 May 1851)
Civilian & Galveston
Gazette (27 May 1851)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (7 Nov. 1851)
Telegraph & Texas
Register (26 Dec. 1851)
La Grange Texas
Monument (17 Nov. 1852)
Civilian & Galveston
Gazette (23 Nov. 1852)
Indianola Bulletin
(25 Nov. 1852)
San Antonio Alamo
Star (27 Nov. 1854)
Anderson Central Texian
(17 Mar. 1855)
Galveston Weekly News
(10 April 1855)
Brazoria Texas Planter
(27 June 1855)
27
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
large numbers of geese arriving
from the north
inlets of Galveston Bay filled with
ducks, brant, and geese
response of a pair of nesting
swallows to a snake
ducks, brant and waterfowl die
suddenly on Galveston Bay
many geese poor and weak and
scarcely able to fly
announces arrival of John
Woodhouse Audubon at Galveston
immense flocks of wild pigeons
near mouth of Trinity River
man kills two Bald Eagles
with a club
large flocks of geese passing over
Houston
praises domestic attributes of Lucy
Bakewell, wife of J. J. Audubon
notes departure of geese and
arrival of Purple Martins
many fowls killed by a severe
hailstorm in Lavaca County
first geese seen flying over
Houston
notes tracks believed those of
an extinct bird
proposes protection of “prairie
fowls” February to September
“snowbirds” [juncos?] seek shelter
during sudden norther
memorial of life and work of
John James Audubon
advises that poultry manure
be used as fertilizer
Bobolink alleged to mimic the
songs of canaries
describes nests of Edible-nest
Swiftlet in China
large numbers of wild pigeons
in forests near Houston
notes use of strychnine to kill
blackbirds and crows
feathers selling for 35-40 cents
per pound
market well supplied with ducks
and geese
three hunters kill 90 partridges
[bobwhites] near San Antonio
describes collection of Murre eggs
on coastal islands of California
plovers around Gonzales
feeding on grasshoppers
reprint of government advice
on the use of guano Continued
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
28
YEAR
1855
1856
1856
1856
1856
1856
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1857
1858
1858
1858
1858
1858
1858
1858
1858
1858
1859
LOCALITY
Brazoria County
Grimes County
Houston County
Washington County
Grimes County
Anderson County
Washington County
Galveston County
Dallas County
Galveston County
Washington County
Travis County
Grimes County
Bell County
Galveston County
Nueces County
Nueces County
Nueces County
Nueces County
Bell County
Harris County
San Augustine County
San Augustine County
Travis County
Bell County
Bell County
Matagorda County
Galveston County
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
NEWSPAPER
Brazoria Texas Planter
(27 June 1855)
Anderson Central
Texian (17 Sept. 1856)
Houston Weekly
Telegraph (22 Oct. 1856)
Washington American
(12 Nov. 1856)
Anderson Central Texian
(10 Dec. 1856)
Houston Weekly
Telegraph (17 Dec. 1856)
Washington American
(24 March 1857)
Galveston Weekly News
(24 Mar. 1857)
Houston Weekly
Telegraph (13 May 1857)
Galveston Weekly News
(19 May 1857)
Washington American
(26 May 1857)
Austin Texas Sentinel
(12 September 1857)
Anderson Central Texian
(17 Sept. 1857)
Belton Weekly
Independent (3 Oct. 1857)
Civilian & Galveston
Gazette (3 Nov. 1857)
Corpus Christi Nueces
Valley (14 Nov. 1857)
Corpus Christi Nueces
Valley (19 Dec. 1857)
Corpus Christi Nueces
Valley (19 Dec. 1857)
Corpus Christi Nueces
Valley (2 Jan. 1858)
Belton Weekly
Independent (22 May 1858)
Houston Weekly
Telegraph (26 May 1858)
San Augustine Eastern
Texian (5 June 1858)
San Augustine Eastern
Texian (14 Aug. 1858)
Southern Intelligencer
(13 October 1858)
Belton Independent
(2 Oct 1858)
Belton Independent
(23 Oct. 1858)
Matagorda Gazette
(6 November 1858)
Galveston Weekly News
(29 Mar. 1859)
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
guinea fowls claimed to rid
farm of rats
discusses guano deposits on
islands off coast of Peru
immense flocks of wild pigeons
flying daily over Crockett
discusses songs of the Song
Sparrow and other birds
illustrations of turkey and plover
advertise cuisine of Anderson Hotel
wild pigeons killed at a roost
near Palestine
whole earth seems covered with
plovers
plovers abundant between
Brenham and Washington
wheat birds [dickcissels] eating
millions of cutworms
large numbers of brightly colored
birds seen around Corpus Christi
reprint of “Don’t Destroy the
Birds” from Lancaster Whig
local sportsman attempts to raise
and release Gambel’s Quail
discusses guano deposits on islands
off the coast of Peru
describes tongue of hummingbirds
and bill of oystercatchers
geese and ducks of every variety
being sold in the city markets
notes abundance of turkeys, geese,
ducks, snipe, plover, and swans
discusses the need for passage of
a law to protect game
local hunters believe game should
be protected
“hunting match” yields 7,500 animals
including 117 geese and 44 turkeys
notes that birds are treated kindly
in Japan and not hunted for sport
wheat birds [dickcissels] make
their appearance at Dallas
describes first appearance of
dickcissils at Dallas in 1849
notes first specimens of White-tailed
Ptarmigan taken in United States
recent norther brings abundance
of ducks and geese
birds destroy first crop of corn
geese and sandhill cranes seen
passing over
geese, ducks, snipe, and partridges
abundant
larks and blackbirds injure young
corn at Caldwell Continued
29
YEAR LOCALITY NEWSPAPER SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
1859 Colorado County Columbus Colorado millions of wheat birds (dickcissels)
Citizen (21 May 1859) appear in Freestone County
1859 Dallas County Dallas Herald (1 June praises the foraging behavior of
a small, unidentified bird
1859 Calhoun County Indianola Courier ducks, geese and other winter
(22 October 1859) birds signals end of yellow fever
1860 Harris County Houston Weekly dickcissels destroying wheat in
Telegraph (5 June 1857) Freestone County
1860 Nueces County Corpus Christi Ranchero ducks and geese arriving in
(27 Oct. 1860) considerable numbers
1860 Nueces County Corpus Christi Ranchero hunters kill swan...aquatic fowls
(17 Nov. 1860) abundant around Corpus Christi
1860 Bexar County Daily Ledger and Texan describes behavior of Blue Titmice
(21 Dec. 1860) while feeding young [England]
1860 Nueces County Corpus Christi Ranchero describes ability to communicate
(22 Dec. 1860) sources of food and to warn young
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
OBSERVATIONS OF RECAPTURED WHITE-WINGED DOVES WITH
SUBCUTANEOUS RADIO-TRANSMITTER IMPLANTS
MICHAEL F. SMALL', JOHN T. BAccus', AND T. WAYNE SCHWERTNER’
‘Department of Biology, Wildlife Ecology Program, Texas State University—San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas
78666, and °Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, White-winged Dove Program, Mason, Texas 76856
Prior to 1900, White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in the U.S. occurred in greatest concentrations in the
lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), a 4-county region at the southernmost tip of Texas (Dresser 1866, Cottam and
Trefethen 1968). Although loss of White-winged Dove nesting habitat in the LRGV began in the 1800s with an
influx of European settlers, large scale clearing of land for agricultural, industrial, and municipal use began about
1920 (Purdy and Tomlinson 1982). In addition, water withdrawal from the lower Rio Grande to supply these
ke Se <i ee -HS sie AN
Figure 1. A radio-transmitter (a) just prior to implantation in a White-winged Dove and (b) the White-winged Dove about 10 min post-implantation.
Figure 2. Radio-transmittered White-winged Doves (a) 35 days post-implantation and (b) 51 days post-implantation.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
30
industries and loss of the normal flood-pulse cycle following construction of Falcon Lake Dam in 1950 hastened
the loss of riparian habitat (Pollok et al. 1998, Richter and Richter 2000, Cowell and Stoudt 2002).
Also beginning about 1920, White-winged Doves in Texas began a northward range expansion into urban areas
and portions of these populations have become year-round residents. This range expansion escalated about 1950
and peaked from about 1970 to present (Small 2006a). Whether this phenomenon is coincidental or correlated to
habitat loss has not been definitively determined. However, these newly established, often large (5,000 to >
1,000,000 doves) populations now outnumber traditional populations (George et al. 1994), creating a need to
understand their ecological dynamics in developing a comprehensive management plan for the species.
Radio-telemetry may provide a means to efficiently collect natural history data on populations provided the
tagging does not affect the animal’s behavior (White and Garrott 2000). In captive Mourning Doves (Zenaida
macroura), subcutaneously implanted transmitters have been demonstrated as a preferred method of radio-
transmitter attachment (Schulz et al. 1996, 2001). In captive and field studies on Mourning Doves in South
Carolina, Berdeen and Otis (2006) determined that subcutaneously implanted radio-transmitters met the
assumption that survival was independent of radio-transmitters. Small et al. (2004b) also showed a preference
for the implant method for White-winged Doves housed in flight pens. Field studies using implanted subcu-
taneous transmitters on White-winged Doves have shown that this technique can produce valuable informa-
tion (Small et al. 2005, 2006b). Herein, we describe the external condition of recaptured, wild White-winged
Doves with subcutaneously implanted radio-transmitters. As part of a study conducted in Mason, Texas
(Mason County) using radio-telemetry and leg banding, we implanted 44 White-winged Doves in the field
with subcutaneous radio-transmitters. We used modified Kniffin traps (Reeves et al. 1968) baited with a mix-
ture of cracked corn, sorghum, and black oil sunflower seeds to capture White-winged Doves. We used trans-
mitters obtained from Advanced Telemetry Services (Isanti, MN) that measured 41.83 X 26.83 X 7.62 mm
(+ 0.05 mm) with external whip antennas (15.24 + 0.01 cm). We implanted transmitters in the field between
13 and 22 February 2006 following the protocol described in Small et al. (2004a, b, 2006b) (Fig. 1a, b).
During the course of our study, we recaptured 3 subcutaneously implanted White-winged Doves and con-
ducted a thorough external examination. The first dove, an adult female, was implanted on 27 January 2006
and recaptured 8 days post-implant. The second dove, an adult female, was implanted on 21 January 2006 and
recaptured 35 days post-implant. The third dove, an adult male, was implanted on 19 January 2006 and recap-
tured 51 days post-implant.
We thoroughly examined the 3 individuals and found no indications of adverse effects from the implanted
transmitter. We were unable to locate the incision site in all 3 doves. We did observe new feathers growing
over the incision site of the first dove. All doves were undergoing some degree of body feather molt. None of
the doves had inflammation, the presence of redness, or an accumulation of polymorphonuclear cells at or
around the incision site suggesting the absence of pyogenic bacterial infection.
All 3 doves showed no indication of discomfort or emaciation as determined by feeling the breast muscu-
lature and comparing with other doves without implants. In 1 dove we could feel the transmitter, which had
moved several cm dorso-laterally. The transmitters could not be felt in the other 2 doves because their crops
were engorged with trap bait. The antennas’ percutaneous exit site showed no signs of infection or dermatitis.
Without external antennas we would not have identified these doves as having implanted transmitters (Fig. 2a,
b). We in no way are suggesting that this is evidence of no detrimental effect of radio-transmitters on White-
winged Doves; however, we believe this is the first report of examinations of wild, recaptured doves with
implanted radio-transmitters in the U.S.
All activities were conducted in accordance with Texas State University “San Marcos IACUC approval
#06-05CC59736D, state permit #SPR-0890-234, and federal permit #06827.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to thank C. Lewis for his help in collecting data for this project. C. S. Boyd provided helpful com-
ments to early drafts of the manuscript. Funding was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
LITERATURE CITED
BERDEEN, J. B. AND D. L. Oris. 2006. Effects of subcutaneous transmitter implants on Mourning Doves. Wildlife Society
Bulletin 34:93-103.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
31
COTTAM, C. AND J. B. TREFETHEN. 1968. Whitewings: the life history, status, and management of the white-winged dove.
D. Van Nostrand Inc., New York, NY.
CoweELL, C. M. anD R. T. Stoupt. 2002. Dam-induced modifications to upper Allegheny River streamflow patterns and
their biodiversity implications. Journal American Water Resource Association 38:187-196.
Dresser, H. E. 1866. Notes on the birds of South Texas. Ibis 2:23—24.
GEORG, R. R., E. TOMLINSON, R. W. ENGEL-WILSon, G. L. WAGGERMAN, AND A. G. SPRATT. 1994. White-winged dove. Pp.
29-50 in Migratory, shore and upland game bird management in North America. T. C. Tacha and C. E. Braun, eds. Allen
Press, Lawrence, KS.
Porock, M. M., R. J. Naman, AND T. A. HANLEy. 1998. Plant species richness in riparian wetlands — A test of biodiversity
theory. Ecology. 79:94-105.
Purpy, P. C. AND R. E. Tomuinson. 1991. The eastern White-winged Dove: factors influencing use and continuity of the
resource. Pages 225-265 in J. G. Robinson and K. H. Redford, eds. Neotropical wildlife use and conservation. University
Chicago Press. Chicago, IL.
Reeves, H. M., A. D. Gets, AND F. C. KnirFiN. 1968. Mourning Dove capture and banding. United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, Special Scientific Report 117, Washington, D. C.
RIcHTER, B. D. AND H. E. RIcHTER. 2000. Prescribing flood regimes to sustain riparian ecosystems along meandering rivers.
Conservation Biology. 14:1467—-1478.
ScHuLz, J. H., A. J. BERMUDEZ, J. D. FIRMAN AND Z. HE. 2001. Comparison of radiotransmitter attachment techniques using
captive Mourning Dove. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29:771-782.
ScHutz, J. H., A. J. BERMUDEZ, J. L. ToMLINsSon, J. D. FIRMAN AND Z. He. 1998. Effects of implanted radiotransmitters on
captive Mourning Doves. Journal of Wildlife Management 62:1451-1460.
SMALL, M. F., J. T. Baccus, AND G. L. WAGGERMAN. 2004a. Mobile anesthesia unit for implanting radio transmitters in birds
in the field. The Southwestern Naturalist. 49:279-282.
SMALL, M. F., C. L. SCHAEFER, J. T. Baccus, AND J. A. RoBERSON. 2005. Breeding ecology of White-winged Doves in a
recently colonized urban environment. The Wilson Bulletin. 117:172-176.
SMALL, M. F., J. T. Baccus, AND T. W. SCHWERTNER. 2006a. Historic and current distribution and abundance of White-
winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in the United States. Texas Ornithological Society, Occasional Publication #6. In press.
SMALL, M. F., J. T. Baccus, AND G. L. WAGGERMAN. 2006b. Breeding ecology of radio-tagged White-winged Doves
(Zenaida asiatica) in the Coastal Bend region of Texas. Texas Journal of Science. 58:79-86.
SMALL, M. F., R. Rosates, J. T. Baccus, F. W. WECKERLY, D. N. PHALEN, AND J. A. ROBERSON. 2004b. A comparison of
effects of radiotransmitter attachment techniques on captive White-winged Doves. Wildlife Society Bulletin.
32:627-637.
Wuite, G. C. AND R. A. GarroTT. 1990. Analysis of wildlife radio-tracking data. Academic Press, San Diego, CA.
A CASE OF A MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD
(FREGATA MAGNIFICENS) SWALLOWING A FISHHOOK
MarTHA E. MAGEE AND DanieL M. Brooks!
Houston Museum of Natural Science; Department of Vertebrate Zoology;
"Hermann Circle Dr.; Houston, TX. 77030-1799
Avian mortality caused by foreign (e.g., Arnold 1994) or natural (e.g., Holte and Houck 2000, Brooks and
Steingreaber 2002) objects is rarely documented, but does occur in nature. While encounters with fishing tackle
can be a danger to birds, specific examples are seldom documented (Arnold 1994). Moreover, injuries involving
fishing tackle are often restricted to the mandibles and/or oral cavity (Bennett and Erickson 1962, Chatwin 1956).
Herein we report a case of a fishhook swallowed by a Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens).
On 8 August 2006 we received a salvaged Magnificent Frigatebird (HMNS VO-1968) that was found on
Surfside Beach, Brazoria County, Texas, on 17 July 2006. On 22 August 2006 the bird, an adult female, was
prepared as a study skin. During this process the stomach was opened so that its contents could be measured
and recorded. Five parasitic worms were found; the only other item was a #6 fishhook, its barb buried in the
wall of the stomach, with the broken shank protruding into the stomach cavity. A blackened layer of corrosion
residue lined the wound created by passage of the hook, surrounded by a margin of inflamed tissue with a
radius <1 mm. The stomach otherwise appeared normal, but the lack of any food residue suggests that the bird
had been unable to eat for some period prior to its death.
'E-mail: dbrooks @hmns.org
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
32
rw
Ay
ae
i.
ros)
=
~
v
Y ra
S X
Va
Sates
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xi
-V
>Re md
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3 r E OREN
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ma A ae xe
Female Magnificent Frigatebird (HMN S VO-1968). Photo by M. Magee.
The hook shard found in the Frigatebird specimen, next to a dime for scale. Photo by M. Magee.
Although perforation of the stomach alone might well have proved fatal either due to infection or starva-
tion, a probable contributory cause of death was a traumatic amputation of the right manus. It is unknown if
both the wing and stomach injuries arose from a single circumstance, such as entanglement in a fishing line.
LITERATURE CITED
ARNOLD, K.A. 1994. First specimens of Clark’s grebe for Texas: an environmental casualty. Bull. Tx. Orn. Soc. 27:26-28.
BENNETT, J. AND M.M. Erickson. 1962. Injured Western gulls. Wils. Bull. 74:285—286.
Brooks, D.M. AND J. STEINGREABER. 2002. Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) chokes on a live oak (Quercus) acorn. Bull. Tx.
Orn. Soc. 35:11-12.
CHATWIN, S.L. 1956. Western grebe taken on hook and line. Condor: 58:73-74.
Hotter, A.E. AND M.A. Houck. 2000. Juvenile greater roadrunner (Cuculidae) killed by choking on a Texas horned lizard
(Phrynosomatidae). Southwestern Naturalist 45:74-76.
HENSLOW’S SPARROWS (AMMODRAMUS HENSLOWID)
WINTERING IN LAMAR COUNTY TEXAS WITH NOTES
ON HABITAT PREFERENCE
STEPHAN LORENZ!
Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75799
The Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is a small, secretive grassland sparrow of wet meadows,
neglected fields, wet hay fields, swamps and sometimes dry upland prairies (Rising and Beadle 1996). Its breed-
ing range extends north into Ontario and northeastern U.S. states, east into Pennsylvania, south into Kentucky, and
west into northeastern Oklahoma. Even though it breeds throughout a relatively large range it is often very local-
ized (Herkert et al. 2002). Breeding Henslow’s Sparrows prefer grasslands with high amounts of tall dense vege-
tation, litter cover or standing dead vegetation and low amounts of woody vegetation (Zimmerman 1988, Herkert
1994, Cully and Michaels 2000). The species is disturbance dependent on its breeding grounds, but very recent
disturbance like prescribed burns, mowing or haying reduce breeding densities of Henslow’s Sparrows
(Zimmerman 1988, Herkert 1994, Cully and Michaels 2000). Henslow’s Sparrows winter throughout the south-
eastern United States (Rising and Beadle 1996, Herkert et al. 2002). The winter range extends at least north to
southern Arkansas (Herkert et al. 2002) and rarely into central Oklahoma (Rising and Beadle 1996). Degradation
‘E-mail: slorenz @ mail.com
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
33
p
Figure 1. One of 14 Henslow’s Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii) mistenetted during the winters of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.
The species appears to winter regularly in Lamar County. Photo by Stephan Lorenz.
[i
Figure 2. Preferred habitat of Henslow’s Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii) at Camp Maxey, Lamar County Texas. The area is
dominated by little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and shows signs of recent burns. Photo by Stephan Lorenz.
and destruction of grassland habitats have imperiled this species and due to dramatic declines the Henslow’s
Sparrow has been identified as a species of concern (Pashley 1996, Sauer et al. 2001, Herkert et al. 2002).
In Texas Henslow’s Sparrows are considered rare to very rare migrant and winter residents from mid-October
to early April. They are mostly found in the eastern third of the state with rare occurrences in north-central Texas,
Table 1. Mean vegetation variables of grassland sites at Camp Maxey, Lamar
County, occupied by wintering Henslow’s Sparrows. Vegetation measurements
were collected for four sites in 2005 and six sites in 2006. Standard deviations
shown in parentheses.
Vegetation Variable 2005 2006
Mean Height of Standing Grasses (cm) 69.0 (21.3) 61.0 (17.0)
Mean Litter depth (cm) 8.0 (3.0) 5.4 (2.9)
Mean Density (dm) 1.2 (0.5) 1.1 (.50)
Mean percentage of grass cover 54.0 (3.8) 58.0 (8.5)
Mean percentage of litter cover 31.0 (5.3) 19.0 (6.6)
Mean percentage of bare ground 11.0 (4.5) 14.0 (4.7)
Mean percentage of woody vegetation 1.0 (1.3) 6.0 (8.0)
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
34
the Coastal Prairies, and Panhandle region (Lockwood and Freeman 2004). A resident population in Harris
County is now considered extinct (Arnold and Garza 1998). During winter Henslow’s Sparrows prefer areas with
dense ground cover in boggy or grassy pine flats, or low moist areas (Herkert et al. 2002), mainly in longleaf
pine (Pinus palustris) communities (Herkert et al. 2002, Carrie et al. 2002, Bechtoldt and Stouffer 2005). In
Alabama Henslow’s Sparrows were found in bogs with thick grass cover (Plentovich et al. 1999). Generally the
species benefits from fire disturbance which is an integral part of suitable winter habitat (Plentovich et al. 1999,
Herkert et al. 2002). Recent research has evaluated habitat preference of wintering Henslow’s Sparrows in many
parts of its winter range (Chandler and Woodrey 1995, Plentovich et al. 1999, Carrie et al. 2002, Bechtoldt
and Stouffer 2005, Thatcher et al. 2005), but currently no such information exists for Texas.
During the winters of 2004—2005 and 2005-2006 I found a winter population of Henslow’s Sparrows in Lamar
County, Texas. Shackelford and Brooks (2001) did not list Lamar County in a summary of sighting reports of
Henslow’s Sparrows for the winter of 1998—1999 and the closest county with a record to Lamar County was Bowie
County, which is approximately 100 kilometers east of Lamar County. The secretive habits and dense habitat of the
species make it difficult to locate and the distribution within Texas is not yet entirely understood. Herein I report on
the location of a winter population in Lamar County with additional notes on habitat preference within the area.
Henslow’s Sparrows were found on Camp Maxey, a Texas Army National Guard Training Facility 16 kilome-
ters north of Paris in Lamar County, Texas. Camp Maxey encompasses 2600 ha of habitat associated with Post
Oak Savanna and Blackland Prairie vegetation communities. The terrain is flat to rolling hills with an average
elevation of 170 meters. The dominant habitat type includes a mixture of prairie openings and open deciduous
woodland composed mainly of post oak (Quercus stellata), blackjack oak (Q. marilandica), and other drought-
tolerant plant species. Similar habitat is found on lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers surround-
ing nearby Pat Mayse Lake. The majority of prairie openings within Camp Maxey are old fields that have revert-
ed to grasslands dominated by little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), indiangrass (Sorghastrum ave-
naceum), and a profusion of composites, legumes, and other forbs. The prairie openings are maintained through
prescribed burns and accidental fires. In areas not recently burned, woody plants such as smooth sumac (Rhus
glabra), chicksaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), are encroaching.
During the winter of 2004—2005 I recorded at least 10 individual Henslow’s Sparrows on Camp Maxey, and
11 individuals during the winter of 2005-2006 (Figure 1). Henslow’s Sparrows were first noted during
November 2004 with two sightings of two birds. Six additional sightings of at least two birds in two sites
occurred between the 18 December 2004 and 4 January 2005. Extensive mistnetting at four grassland sites with-
in the study area revealed additional birds. Six individuals were mist netted at four sites between the 4 December
2004 and 28 January 2005. In 2005-2006 I observed at least three individuals in three different sites between 16
December 2005 and 12 January 2006. Also during the same winter I mistnetted eight Henslow’s Sparrows at four
sites between 30 October and 25 December 2005. All birds caught in mistnets were banded with a U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service aluminum band. No Henslow’s Sparrows banded in 2004—2005 were recaptured the following
winter. A lack of site fidelity for wintering sites has also been found in Alabama (Plentovich et al. 1998), but
Bechtoldt and Stouffer (2005) recaptured two individuals the second year out of 32 banded during the first
year in Louisiana. Thus Henslow’s Sparrows may exhibit limited winter site fidelity where suitable habitat
remains available for more than one year (Bechtoldt and Stouffer 2005).
HABITAT
Vegetation measurements were collected as part of a concurrent study within 25 circular study plots [0.78
ha (radius 50 m)] located throughout grasslands of the study area. Within each circular plot, two perpendicular
100-m line transects were delineated at the center of each plot. Orientation of line transects were randomly deter-
mined. Measurements were taken at ten meter intervals along each line transect resulting in 21 grid points. At
each grid point I estimated ground cover in five percent intervals using a 20 x 50 cm Daubenmire frame
(Daubenmire 1959). Ground estimates were arcsin transformed prior to calculating mean values (Sokal and
Rohlf 1995). I estimated vegetation density in decimeter intervals using a Robel pole placed in the center of the
20 x 50 cm frame (Robel et al. 1970). I also measured maximum height of standing grasses within the 20 x 50
cm frame and measured litter depth at the four corners of the 20 x 50 cm frame.
Henslow’s Sparrows were exclusively found in grassland openings containing large proportions of little
bluestem (Figure 2). Birds were often flushed along edges of openings and took cover in brushy areas. Two
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
35
birds were found in relatively short vegetation, including one individual flushed from the edge of a gravel
road. Low sample size precludes me from making statistical inferences about occupied versus unoccupied
sites, thus I only report mean vegetation variables for occupied sites. In 2004—2005 I measured vegetation in
four sites occupied by Henslow’s Sparrows. In 2005-2006 vegetation measurements were made at six sites
occupied by Henslow’s Sparrows. Overall Henslow’s Sparrows were found in habitats having more than 50
percent grass (Poaceae) cover and less than 10 percent cover of woody vegetation. Litter cover varied from
19 to 31 percent cover during the two winters. Additionally sites occupied by Henslow’s Sparrows were dom-
inated by tall standing grasses, deep litter cover, and dense vegetation (Table 1).
Anecdotal evidence suggests that Henslow’s Sparrows are more common during wet years and habitat pref-
erences of the species suggests that birds are found in wet or moist areas. Interestingly the species appeared
slightly more common or at least as numerous during the drought year of 2005—2006. In 2004—2005 the study
area included grasslands that contained large amounts of standing water. Prevalent drought conditions in
2005-2006 left no standing water in any of the grasslands or study plots. Yet eight individuals were banded
in 59.75 hrs of total effort in 2005—2006, compared to six individuals during 118 hrs total effort in 2004—2005
Carrie et al. (2002) also found Henslow’s Sparrows to winter in drier sites than previously reported. Prescribed
burns conducted within the camp during the spring of 2005 may have improved habitat, even though very
recent burns and disturbance caused by mowing and vehicles are most likely detrimental Henslow’s Sparrows
generally benefit from fire disturbance on their wintering grounds (Carrie et al. 2002) and biennial rotational
burns have been recommended to improve wintering habitat for the species in Louisiana and Mississippi
(Bechtoldt and Stouffer 2005, Thatcher et al. 2005).
It is difficult to estimate the total population size of Henslow’s Sparrows wintering at Camp Maxey, but due
to the secretive nature of the species, large amounts of available habitat not surveyed, additional habitat on U. S.
Army Corps of Engineer lands around Pat Mayse lake, and dates of observations, it is likely that a regular win-
tering population of Henslow’s Sparrows occurs in Lamar County. These findings warrant further surveys of suit-
able habitat and possible management recommendations stressing prescribed burns.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank D. W. Pogue for support and advice throughout the study. I would also like to thank all the
people assisting during the mistnetting, including C. Cavazos, O. Welden, E. Waters, V. Adams, and T. R. Hunkapiller.
Additionally I thank the Camp Maxey and Texas Army National Guard staff for providing access and facilities. Also
initial observations were conducted during baseline bird surveys funded by the Texas Army National Guard.
LITERATURE CITED
ARNOLD, K. A. AND N. C. Garza, Jr. 1998. Populations and habitat requirements of breeding Henslow’s Sparrow in Harris
County, Texas. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 31:42—49.
BECHTOLDT, C. L. AND P. C. STOUFFER. 2005. Home-range size, response to fire, and habitat preferences of wintering
Henslow’s Sparrows. Wilson Bulletin 117:211—225.
Carrie, N.R., R. O. WAGNER, K. R. Moore, J. C. Sparks, E. L. KEITH, AND C. A. MELDER. 2002. Winter abundance of and
habitat use by Henslow’s Sparrows in Louisiana. Wilson Bulletin 114:221—226.
CHANDLER, C. R., AND M. S. Wooprey. 1995. Status of Henslow’s Sparrows during winter in coastal Mississippi.
Mississippi Kite 25:20-24.
Cutty, J. F. AND H. L. Micuaets. 2000. Henslow’s Sparrow habitat associations on Kansas tallgrass prairie. Wilson Bulletin
112:115-123.
DAUBENMIRE, R. 1959. A canopy-coverage method of vegetation analysis. Northwest Scientist 33:43-64.
HERKERT, J. R. 1994. Status and habitat selection of the Henslow’s Sparrow in Illinois. Wilson Bulletin 106:35—45.
HERKERT, J. R., P. D. VicKERY, AND D. E. KRoopsMA. 2002. Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii). In The Birds of
North America. No. 672. (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The
American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D. C.
Lockwoop, M. W. AND B. FREEMAN. 2004. The TOS handbook of Texas birds. Texas A&M University Press, College
Station.
PASHLEY, D. 1996. Watch list. Am. Birds 50:129-134.
PLENTOovICH, S. M., N. R. HOLLER, AND G. E. HILL. 1998. Site fidelity of wintering Henslow’s Sparrows. J. Field Ornithol.
69:486—-490.
PLENTOVICH, S. M., N. R. HOLLER, AND G. E. HILL. 1999. Habitat requirements of Henslow’s Sparrows wintering in silvi-
cultural lands of the Gulf Coast Plain. Auk 116:109-115.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
36
Risinc, J. D., AND D. D. BEADLE. 1996. The sparrows of the United States and Canada. Academic Press, Sand Diego.
RoBeEL, R. J., J. N. BRIGGS, A. D. DAYTON, AND L. C. HuLBert. 1970. Relationships between visual obstruction measure-
ments and weight of grassland vegetation. J. Range Manage. 23:295-297.
SAUER, J. R., J. E. Hines, AND J. FALLON. 2004. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, results and analysis 1966—2002.
Version 2003.1. USGS Patuxent Wild. Res. Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwcr.usgs.gov/bbs/bbs.html.
SOKAL, R. R. AND F. J. Route. 1995. Biometry, third ed. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco.
SHACKELFORD, C. AND D. Brooks. 2001. Henslow’s Sparrow report: details of winter 1998—1999 Henslow’s Sparrow sight-
ings in Texas by county http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/birding/prairie_birds/henslow_report.htm.
THATCHER, B. S., D. G. KREMENTZ, AND M. S. Wooprey. 2005. Henslow’s Sparrow winter-survival estimates and response
to prescribed burning. J. Wildlife Manage. 70:198—206.
ZIMMERMAN, J. L. 1988. Breeding season habitat selection by the Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammdramus henslowii) in Kansas.
Wilson Bulletin 100:17—24.
ADJOINING NESTS OF NORTHERN CARDINAL
Ray C. TELFAaR II!
11780 South Hill Creek Road, Whitehouse, Texas 75791
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is territorial and builds a nest usually in shrubs, small tress,
or low-hanging branches, with a mean nest height of 1-2 m and range of 0.25—12m (Halkin and Linville
1999). Apparently, there are no reports of adjoining nests (Halkin, pers. comm.).
On 25 June 2006, while trimming shrubbery at my home in Ennis (Ellis Co.), I found two abandoned and
adjoining apparent Northern Cardinal nests (Fig. 1). They were in a densely-stemmed bridal wreath (Spiraea
prunifolia) about 30.5 cm beneath the top of the canopy and about 1.7 m above the ground. One of the nests
was bowl-shaped and measured about 11.4 cm outside diameter and 7.6 cm in height; the other one was
saucer-shaped and measured about 11.4 cm outside diameter and 5.1 cm in height. The composition of both
nests was similar: small twigs, grass stems, dried partly decomposed leaves, and pieces of paper (white and
purple) and clear cellophane. The complete nest was bowl-shaped, the bottom and sides of the bowl-shaped
nest was composed of a rough layer of crisscrossed strips of bark from eastern red-cedar (Juniperus virgini-
ana). The saucer-shaped nest contained no bark strips.
The bowl-shaped nest looks typical of Northern Cardinal nests that have been observed in the low shrub-
bery at that location for a period of 50 years of observation. However, during that period, no saucer-shaped or
adjoining nests have been seen. Northern Cardinals are the most common nesters there.
Other species that nest in the shrubbery are Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), Northern Mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos), and, rarely, Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum).
The paper and cellophane in both nests was similar, but the amount in each nest is unusual (Halkin, pers.
PS,
aoe ae
Figure 1. Adjoining Northern Cardinal nests (photo courtesy of Mark, Daniel, and Monica Jones). The horizontal white object
above the nests is a 15 cm measuring rule.
‘E-mail: rtelfair@nctv.com
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
37
comm.). However, small pieces of paper and cellophane (from candy wrappers and cigarette packs) are readily
available along the sidewalks and alley that border the yard.
According to Bent (1968), some Northern Cardinal nests are compactly built and well-lined, but others are
flimsy with scarcely any lining. Ritchison (1997) reported that females occasionally begin constructing a nest,
but fail to complete it. However, the nature of these adjoining nests is puzzling. Both nests appear to have been
made in the spring of the current breeding season. The saucer-shaped nest may have not had the upper layers
built up to make the walls of the cup and, thus, may have been “incomplete” (Halkin, pers. comm. ).
I sincerely appreciate Dr. Sylvia Halkin’s review of the manuscript, suggestions, and editorial comments.
LITERATURE CITED
Bent, A. C. 1968. Life histories of North American cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings, finches, sparrows, and allies. Dover
Publ., Inc., New York. Reprint of U.S. Natl Mus. Bull. 237, Part 1.
Hackin, S. L., anD S. U. LinviLte. 1999. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). In The Birds of North America, No.
440 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ritcuison, G. 1997. Wild bird guides: Northern Cardinal. Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
CAROLINA MANTID (STAGMOMANTIS CAROLINA) CAPTURES
AND FEEDS ON A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD
(SELASPHORUS PLATYCERCUS)
STEPHAN LORENZ!
'Dept. of Biology, Univ. of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75799
Documented instances of predation on adult hummingbirds in temperate latitudes are rare and predation is not
a significant risk factor for adult hummingbirds in temperate latitudes (Miller and Gass 1985). The Tiny Hawk
(Accipiter superciliosus) however may specialize on hummingbirds in the New World tropics (Stiles 1978). Even
though predation on adult hummingbirds is rarely observed, a variety of predators have been documented, includ-
ing raptors (Beebe 1950, Lowery 1938, Mayr 1966, Peeters 1963, Sick 1993, Sprot 1927, Stiles 1978), other birds
Figure 1. Carolina Mantid (Stagmomantis carolina) feeding on captured first-year female Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus
platycercus). Photo by Stephan Lorenz.
‘E-mail: slorenz @ mail.com
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
38
(Sick 1993, Wright 1962), mammals (Bent 1964, Sick 1993), snakes (Sick 1993), frogs (Monroe 1957, Norris-
Elye 1944), and fish (Lockwood 1922). There are also three documented cases of mantid (Mantis sp.) predation on
adult hummingbirds (Butler 1949, Hildebrand 1949, Murray 1958). All three cases involved the Ruby-throated
Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), and in each case the hummingbird and mantid were separated by the
observer. Here I report a case of a Carolina Mantid (Stagmomanitis carolina) capturing a hummingbird.
On August 22, 2005 while observing hummingbirds in Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso County,
Texas I observed a Carolina Mantid capture and feed on a first-year female Broad-tailed Hummingbird
(Selasphorus platycercus). Franklin Mountains State Park covers 9812 hectares within the city limits of El
Paso and includes a variety of habitats ranging from desert to mountains up to 2192 m in elevation. Broad-
tailed Hummingbirds breed and migrate throughout higher elevation areas in West Texas with males moving
south earlier than females (Calder and Calder 1992). While observing hummingbirds in an area containing a
spring and cottonwoods (Populus sp.) and brush attractive to migrant birds, I noted several Broad-tailed
Hummingbirds feeding on a flowering thistle (Cirsium sp.) at approximately five minute intervals. After an
hour of continued observation, a shrill squeak attracted my attention to the flowering thistle. Upon closer
inspection I found that a Carolina Mantid had clasped a first-year female Broad-tailed Hummingbird, which
struggled for another minute before dying (Fig. 1). The mantid started feeding along the neckline of the hum-
mingbird and blood became visible. I continued watching the scene from a distance, and other Broad-tailed
Hummingbirds continued to visit the flowering thistle. After feeding, the hummingbirds would hover for a few
seconds in front of the mantid and dead hummingbird. When I left the area an hour later the mantid was still
clasping and feeding on the hummingbird.
This marks an additional documented record of a Carolina Mantid capturing a hummingbird species and
one of only a few documented records of predation on adult Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. An earlier report
documents a male impaled on a barbed wire fence as a result of either shrike (Lanius sp.) or American Kestrel
predation (Calder and Calder 1992). The present record also suggests that predation by mantids on adult hum-
mingbirds is not confined to hummingbird feeder or garden settings where most observations have occurred
(Miller and Gass 1985). The Carolina Mantid is the most widespread mantid in the United States, ranging
from Virginia to Florida, northeast to Indiana and west to California and Mexico (Milne and Milne 1980). Its
range overlaps with the majority of hummingbird species found in the United States, most of which are sim-
ilar in size or smaller than the Broad-tailed Hummingbird and could potentially be predated by Carolina
Mantids. Based on this observation and other documented and anecdotal reports predation on hummingbirds
by mantids may be more widespread than currently reflected by the published literature.
LITERATURE CITED
BeeBee, W. 1950. The home life of the bat falcon, Falco albogularis Daudin. Zoologica Vol. 35 No. 1 pg. 69-86.
BENT, A. C. 1964. Life histories of North American cuckoos, goatsuckers, hummingbirds and their allies. Part II. Dover
Publications, Inc., New York, New York.
BUTLER, C. 1949. Hummingbird killed by praying mantis. Auk Vol 66. No. 3 pg. 286.
Calder W. A. and L. L. Calder. 1992. Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus). in A. Poole and F. Gill, editors, The
Birds of North America, No. 16. Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia, and American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington.
HILDEBRAND, E. M. 1949. Hummingbird captured by praying mantis. Auk Vol 66. No. 3 pg. 286.
Lockwoop, M. E. 1922. Hummingbird and bass. Bird-Lore Vol. 24 No. | pg. 94.
Lowery, G. H., Jr. 1938. Hummingbird in a Pigeon Hawk’s stomach. Auk Vol. 55 No. 2 pg. 280.
Mayr, E. 1966. Hummingbird caught by Sparrow Hawk. Auk Vol. 83 No. 4 pg. 664.
Miter, R. S. AND C. L. Gass. 1985. Survivorship in hummingbirds: Is predation important? Auk Vol. 102 No. 1 pg.
175-178.
Mine L. AND M. Mine. 1980. The Audubon Society field guide to North American insects and spiders. Random House
Inc. New York, New York.
Monroe, M. 1957. Hummingbird killed by frog. Condor Vol. 59 No. 1 pg. 69.
Murray, J. J. 1958. Ruby-throated Hummingbird captured by praying mantis. Wilson Bulletin. Vol. 70 No. 4 pg 381.
Norris-ELyE, L. S. T. 1944. Leopard frogs devouring small birds. Auk Vol. 61 No. 4 pg. 643-644.
Sick, H. S. 1993. Birds in Brazil. Trans. By W. Belton. Princeton Univ. Press, Princeton, New Jersey. 703 pp.
Sprot, G. D. 1927. Notes on the courtship of the Rufous Hummingbird. Condor Vol. 29 No. 1 pg. 71-72.
STILES, F. G. 1978. Possible speciation for hummingbird-hunting in the Tiny Hawk. Auk Vol. 95 No. 3 pg. 550-553.
WRIGHT, B. S. 1962. Baltimore Oriole kills hummingbird. Auk Vol. 79 No. 1 pg. 112.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
39
UNUSUAL BEWICK’S WREN BEHAVIOR
JOHN M. Cys AND GREG MuccIoLo
Wichita Falls, Texas 76310
In late May, 2006, while checking a bluebird nest box trail in the vicinity of Lake Arrowhead State Park, Clay
County, Texas, we observed previously undocumented Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii) behavior. When
opening one nest box a female Bewick’s wren was standing beside the nest cup with a house sparrow (Passer
domesticus) egg in her beak. She immediately dropped the egg and flew. There was a second house sparrow
egg next to the nest box wall away from the cup. Places for the two house sparrow eggs were present in the
arrangement of the four Bewick’s wren eggs in the nest. When another nest box was opened there were five
Bewick’s wren eggs in the nest cup and one house sparrow egg next to the nest box wall away from the cup.
We interpret this behavior as a female Bewick’s wren recognizing the house sparrow eggs as not hers and mov-
ing them next to the nest box wall so they would not hatch. It is unknown why the house sparrow eggs were
not completely removed from the nest boxes. The following week we found the first nest destroyed with egg
shell fragments on the ground below the nest box and the eggs in the second box covered with ants.
It is interesting to compare the above behavior with that of the Bewick’s wren response to brown-headed cow-
bird (Molothrus ater) eggs in a nest box. Laura Packer (personal communication, 2006) when checking a blue-
bird trail in the vicinity of Abilene, Texas, found a nest box with four Bewick’s wren and one brown-headed cow-
bird egg in it. Later when she returned to remove it the cowbird egg was missing as Farley (1987) found in
Kansas. The female Bewick’s wren continued to incubate her eggs. Later she found another nest box with a par-
tially completed Bewick’s wren nest with one cowbird egg in it. She removed the egg. There was no additional
activity. Her interpretation is when the cowbird egg was found the Bewick’s wrens abandoned the nest box so
the cowbird egg would not hatch. It is both noteworthy and puzzling that female Bewick’s wrens will move
house sparrow eggs next to the nest box wall away from the cup; whereas they will completely remove cowbird
eggs from the nest box or abandon the box.
The authors wish to thank Laura Packer for kindly allowing the use of her observational data for compara-
tive purposes. In addition to her example of cowbirds parasitizing Bewick’s wren eggs in a nest box, Kennedy
and White (1997) report 15 recorded cases. Presumably at least some of these were in nest boxes. The authors
also acknowledge the helpful comments of an anonymous reviewer.
LITERATURE CITED
Far ey, G. H., 1987. Comparative breeding strategies of two coexisting passerines: Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii) and Bewick’s
Wren (Thryomanes bewickii). MS thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
KENNEDY, E. D., AND D. W. Wuite, 1997. Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), In The Birds of North America, No. 315
(A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.), The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’
Union, Washington, D.C.
'E-mail: cysbirdwatcher @ onebox.com
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Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 40(1): 2007
CONTENTS
BREEDING BIRDS OF LAKE MEREDITH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND THE ALIBATES
FLINT QUARRIES NATIONAL MONUMENT
Michael OLE CCL Se Ee ee ee ee ee Loe te ee eee eee mh Oe ete tee Ene me SUE ee ae 1
THREE NOTEWORTHY SPECIES OF WOODLAND BIRDS IN A RIPARIAN FOREST OF THE
LOWER NUECES RIVER, SAN PATRICIO COUNTY, TEXAS
Mary Kay SKOPUp po aid GeneIWe Blacklock Jeans 2 edegeh ee ne lp ar ate tee 14
BIRDS IN NEWSPAPERS
STAN CANO te ee E EE Ope ike EE A E Biren Oe Ronni A. ee, Oe rare EO. SMe baa tee. a E epee I7
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
OBSERVATIONS OF RECAPTURED WHITE-WINGED DOVES WITH SUBCUTANEOUS
RADIO-TRANSMITTER IMPLANTS
Michae BEN MaI ONERE BACCUS ANA PAWANNESGHWENN EIE E E PLD A Be PBA TRE ae. 29
A CASE OF A MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (FREGATA MAGNIFICENS) SWALLOWING A
FISHHOOK
Marthas k Magee and J9GHICRMVEREYOOKS wasn cpt te a e A A A a eed hate) E ee eed wails ee E 31
HENSLOW’S SPARROWS (AMMODRAMUS HENSLOWI) WINTERING IN LAMAR COUNTY
TEXAS WITH NOTES ON HABITAT PREFERENCE
Stephan AO) pot ae ANE aOR OL RPE LS RIES Cte Ac a Cle ay EE Re SE LR On An AB en ee 32
ADJOINING NESTS OF NORTHERN CARDINAL
Rave Welfare lat EAE Wee ee Huse r rg Cae he oe RACE Cake Weer, UN A arto ome, mee ees 36
CAROLINA MANTID CAPTURES AND FEEDS ON A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD
Stephani GTO; OS OO OR eh een Ae ALY Ra RIM E tle, ae 37
UNUSUAL BEWICK’S WREN BEHAVIOR
JONEM AES ANR GESEMUCCIO LORA E IEE E NEEE E E EE pe Re EAE EE E E ne ane 59
Jack Clinton Eitniear, Editor, E-mail: Bulletin@Texasbirds.org
Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society Copyright ©2007 by the Texas Ornithological Society
Printed by Cadmus Professional Communications, Ephrata, PA 17522, USA
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Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) photographed in Texas. Image by Erik Breden
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